South Africans urged to stay alert as skin cancer risk rises year-round

Skin cancer is still one of the most common types of cancer in South Africa. As the country gets closer to warmer months, the risk of long-term UV exposure is once again in the spotlight.

A South African who has spoken openly about his battle with cancer is Rob Louw, the former Springbok and Western Province rugby player. In 2009, during what was meant to be a routine gallbladder operation, doctors discovered he had aggressive metastatic melanoma. Since then, Louw has become a strong advocate for cancer awareness, taking part in fundraising efforts such as a 2010 event in Cape Town with the South African Rugby Legends, and working with the South African Melanoma Advisory Board to promote early detection and access to treatment. Stories such as his, especially from well-known public figures, are often used in awareness campaigns to highlight the importance of early detection, as many people look up to them and take their experiences to heart.

A lot of people think that skin cancer is only a problem in the summer when it’s hot outside, but experts say this isn’t true. The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) says that levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation stay high all year, especially in provinces like Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal where winter temperatures are usually warm and skies are clear and that skin cancer accounts for about 33% of all cancer diagnoses in the country.

Research led by Dr Caradee Wright of the South African Medical Research Council has documented that ultraviolet (UV) radiation remains at moderate-to-high levels throughout the year in South Africa, even during winter months when temperatures are cooler. Analysis of UV B measurements at multiple South African weather stations has shown that ambient UV index values often fall between moderate (3 – 5) and high levels and can still pose a sunburn risk on days that its overcast. These findings show that UV intensity depends on factors such as latitude, altitude, and atmospheric conditions and not temperature alone.

There are three main types of skin cancer of which basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the two most common. If found early, it can usually be treated. Melanoma is less common, but it is much more aggressive and can be deadly if not treated quickly.

People with fair skin are more likely to get skin cancer, but CANSA warns that it can happen to anyone, regardless of skin colour and it is often more deadly in people with darker skin because, in many cases, it is only found later. CANSA and global dermatology experts emphasised that early detection significantly improves treatment success for everyone

The best way to avoid getting sunburnt is still to stay out of the sun, especially when it’s very hot. According to CANSA, you should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 20 every day. If you’re going to be outside for a long time, you should use a higher SPF. Wearing wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses with UV filters, and clothes that protect against UV rays can help a lot. You should check your skin often. If you have moles that change colour or size, new skin growths, or wounds that won’t heal, you should see a doctor. People who work outside or have a family history of skin cancer should get checked every year.

As the weather gets warmer, public health officials are once again urging people to be careful. In a December 2024 public update, Tygerberg Hospital urged residents to take sun protection seriously and emphasised the importance of prevention and early detection. This aligns with academic research confirming that ultraviolet radiation remains high throughout the year in South Africa. Studies have shown that consistent sun-safe habits and regular skin checks remain the most effective way to reduce the risk of skin cancer.

There should be a change in rules, whether it’s for employees, schools, and the messages about health in the country. We can’t ignore it as we get closer to summer. You can stop skin cancer before it starts if you do the right things. If you don’t pay attention to the threat now, it could have bad effects that last a long time and could have been avoided. Stay covered up and treat your skin like it matters, because it does. It can save not only your life, but the lives of those you love.