Page 471 - Xmo Strata - Bulletin Archive

There are 2 types of U.V Rays- UVA and UVB:
• UVB radiation has a shorter wavelength and penetrates the upper layer of the
epidermis and can cause sunburn and skin cancer.

• UVA radiation has a longer wavelength and penetrates deeper into the dermis
affecting elastin and ageing the skin. Until recently UVA was thought not to have a
roll in skin cancer development, but increasing evidence shows that UVA and UVB
both cause damage to the DNA which can lead to skin cancer.

ALWAYS REPORT ANY MOLE CHANGES OR UNUSUAL SKIN CHANGES TO
YOUR DOCTOR.

• SKIN CANCER RATES ARE INCREASING.
• MALIGNANT MELANOMA IS THE THIRD MOST COMMON CANCER IN 15-39
YEAR OLDS.

• THE GREATER EXPOSURE TO UV RADIATION THE HIGHER THE RISK.
• MOST SKIN CANCERS ARE PREVENTABLE BY PROTECTING THE SKIN FROM
THE SUN DAMAGING RAYS.

• SKIN CANCER OCCURS MAINLY IN PEOPLE WITH FAIR HAIR, LIGHT EYES,
FRECKLY SKIN, RED OR FAIR HAIR, BUT ANYONE WHO IS EXPOSED TO THE
SUNS RAYS FOR LONG PERIODS INCREASES THE RISK OF GETTING IT
…THAT COULD BE YOU!!!!!.

That old saying that prevention is better than the cure could never be more truthful, so
how do we prevent it?

✓ Stay in the shade between 11am-3pm if possible.

✓ Make sure you never burn, don’t wait on your mate telling you that your
“getting a bit red”.

✓ Always cover up with a T shirt, long sleeved if possible, hat, hard hat to
protect your head, gloves to protect the hands and wraparound sunglasses /
tinted safety glasses.
✓ Always use Factor 15+ sunscreen on all exposed skin. Re-apply every 2
hours or more frequently if rubbed, washed or sweated off.

✓ Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration