Skin cancer continues to be the most prevalent among Brazilians – Revista News

Skin cancer remains the most prevalent among the Brazilian population. According to the INCA (National Cancer Institute), 190,000 cases were recorded in 2014, with the hope that the disease will cause at least 2,000 deaths. This high incidence is due to excessive exposure to the harmful rays of the sun. The damage is cumulative and, over the years, they can consolidate as a tumor. With the arrival of summer and December holidays, the risk of overexposure to the sun increases.

In addition to reducing sun exposure, one of the most effective measures for the prevention of skin cancer is its early detection through a preventive examination of the entire skin periodically performed by a dermatologist. "Skin cancer is a type of tumor that could be fought by simple measures, such as proper use of sunscreen and avoidance of sun exposure," says Dr. Auro Del Giglio, oncologist at HC Onco.

The Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD) has published a consensus on photoprotection for Brazilians, instead of simply replicating data from other countries. With this, the entity began recommending the use of sunscreen with a factor of at least 30. The decision was made on the basis of the miscegenation of the population and the climate of the country, given their differences between regions.

Sunscreen: the best ally against skin cancer

The use of sunscreen is recommended throughout the day. As light as the sun can appear in the late afternoon, it can also be harmful to the skin. At peak times, even with the protector, the organization recommends to avoid exposure to the sun. This takes place between 10:00 and 15:00. In the northeast, avoid the sun from 21:00 and in the Central West until 16:00.

Two milligrams, equivalent to one teaspoon, are recommended for each of the following areas of the body: belly and chest, right arm and shoulder, left arm and shoulder, face and neck. For the lower limbs, two portions are recommended for each leg and foot. "Most sunscreens require new applications when the person is uninterruptedly exposed to the sun.Applications can be performed every four hours and if the person sweats a lot, the interval may be shorter. must enter a pool or the sea, it is recommended to wear a waterproof protector, "says Dr. Auro Del Giglio of HCor.