How does UV cause skin cancer? What causes strong UV light? How to slop on that sunscreen?

What causes strong UV light? How to slop on that sunscreen? What to look out for?
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Unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the We’re all exposed to UV radiation from the sun on a daily basis. For an average-sized Skin cancer takes different forms and can be found on various
sun is by far the most common cause of skin cancer. UVA UV radiation is most dangerous when the sun's rays are at their adult, at least seven parts of the body – from the face, scalp and ears to the lips,
causes skin to darken and age and UVB causes sunburn. Both most direct and intense, which depends on: teaspoons (5ml each; shoulders and legs. Here’s a brief explanation of what to look for:
result in permanent damage to skin cells and can lead to 35ml in total) of
non-melanoma skin cancer. The longer you are exposed to the Time of year – UV radiation remains high all year sunscreen should be Basal cell carcinoma: May start as small, shiny,
JUL

sun, the higher your risk. round, but the months of highest risk in Hong Kong applied to the body pink to red lumps or red scaly patches. Gradually
OCT
are usually July to October. (including the face, turns crusty and grows wider. Sometimes itchy
Non-melanoma skin cancer is the and occasionally bleeds. May develop into an

7
neck, ears, back and front of the body, the arms and legs). For
seventh most common cancer in Hong Time of day – UV rays are strongest between 11am ulcer.
th children, half a teaspoon (2.5ml) should be applied to each
Kong* and 4pm, and are most intense around midday.
main area of the body. Apply the sunscreen generously, 15-30 Squamous cell carcinoma: Often appears as
minutes before you go outside. To protect your skin, always use
+1,000 The number of new cases sharply Reflection – UV radiation can be reflected from pink lumps. Skin may be hard on the surface,
increased over the last decade and since a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) bleeds easily and may develop into an ulcer.
surfaces such as sand, light paint, tiles, cement and
2015, there have been more than 1,000 of more than 30, and graded PA+ or above.
water, and can therefore reach your skin even if you’re
new cases each year in Hong Kong* Melanoma: Looks like harmless (non-cancerous)
wearing a hat. A tan is not a sign of good health: it’s a sign that you have been moles, but over time may become larger, with the
Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) exposed to enough UV radiation (from the sun or a solarium) to shape becoming irregular. Their colour may vary
UV radiation is the main preventable Clouds – UV radiation is both absorbed and
damage your skin. Sunscreen can help to protect your skin,
cause of non-melanoma skin cancer scattered by clouds and haze, but your skin can from brown, black, blue, red, white, or light grey.
although it cannot shield you completely from the effects of UV
still burn on a cloudy day.
radiation. It is important to reapply sunscreen every two hours. If you are concerned about an area of skin or a mole, contact
UV Index levels of more than 3
3 indicate the light is strong enough to
cause sunburn
Check the Observatory's UV Index forecast before leaving
your doctor. Find more information about skin cancer and tips
on staying SunSmart on our website:
UV Index home. The higher the UV Index level, the stronger the UV light.
Get off that sunbed www.cancer-fund.org/sunsmart.
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Source: * Hong Kong Cancer Registry, Hospital Authority 2018 (figures in 2016).
Just like the sun, sun lamps
and sunbeds in solariums
Our support
Five hot tips for being SunSmart emit UV rays that harm ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

the skin. By using these Call us if you or someone you know would like to benefit
Prevent skin cancer devices you are not only from our FREE cancer support services.
Be SunSmart! damaging your skin and
SLAP SLIDE causing premature ageing, Service hotline
SLIP SLOP SEEK
Slip on a Slop on some Slap on a Slide on some Seek some
you’re also greatly increasing your risk of developing skin cancer. 3656 0800
shirt sunscreen wide-brimmed hat sunglasses shade Research has shown that people who start using sunbeds www.cancer-fund.org
Service hotline Clothing protects Sunscreen filters out Hats can substantially Protect the eyes from UV Staying in the shade can before the age of 35 increase their risk of malignant melanoma,
the skin from UV most of the UV radiation reduce the amount of UV radiation, especially the reduce your overall
3656 0800 radiation before it reaches the skin radiation reaching the
face, neck, ears and head
lens and the cornea exposure to UV
radiation by up to 75%^
the most serious form of skin cancer, by 59%#.
Thanks to Dr. Shih Tai Cho, Louis for his help with reviewing this leaflet.
www.cancer-fund.org/sunsmart Source: ^ Guideline to shade, Cancer Council Australia 2013 Source: # World Health Organisation 2017