Skin cancer: prevention is the key

The sun’s rays have positive effects on people: they encourage metabolic processes, lift your mood, boost vitamin D production and help you relax. If, however, you expose yourself to too much sun, its ultraviolet rays can be damaging in both the short and long term. More and more people today are suffering from skin problems brought on by sunlight. Most skin cancer cases result from too much exposure to the sun. Other risk factors include genetic predisposition, light skin tone and the number of pigmented lesions.

We often underestimate the effect of the sun. We are not sufficiently aware that our skin can also get damaged without our having sunburn, and UV exposure can be high even on cloudy days. Sunscreen with a high UVA and UVB protection factor is just as essential as protection against UV by wearing the right clothing.

Although our skin is easily accessible and it is generally easy to recognise suspicious changes, the benefits and risks of skin cancer screening through a full-body examination are still unknown. Using the ABCD rule (see below), unusual moles can be identified and monitored. Only people with a lot of pigmentation spots or other risk factors are recommended to have regular mole checks by a doctor.

Melanomas can develop anywhere on the skin, including existing pigmented moles. Check your skin regularly. Look out for any new or changing moles. The ABCD rule can help you recognise any suspicious changes to your skin.

• Asymmetry: The mole is not symmetrical in shape.
• Boundary: The edges are irregular or blurred.
• Colour: The mole is patchy and multicoloured.
• Dynamics: Changes in size, colour, shape or thickness.

When should you take action? Most pigmented moles are harmless and remain so. However, harmless skin growths, such as warts, can also develop over the course of a lifetime. The most common causes of skin changes are sunlight, predisposition and age. Nevertheless, it is worth taking a closer look. Is a pigmented mole changing? Does it itch, bleed or grow rapidly? If so, do not hesitate to have it checked by a doctor.

Skin cancer screening is advisable for people with risk factors. Early detection significantly increases the chances of recovery. Regular self-examinations, either by yourself or with the help of a trusted person, are essential.

Many dermatologists offer online consultations. This allows you to receive an initial assessment quickly from home. Alternatively, use our medical consultation service.

How do skin screenings work?

During a skin screening, the dermatologist examines the entire skin from head to toe. Areas such as the scalp, ears, armpits, genitals and the skin between the toes are also checked. Important: avoid using nail varnish before attending the skin screening because skin cancer can also occur under the nails. Who covers the costs of a skin cancer screening in Switzerland? If there is an increased risk in your family of skin cancer (melanoma), the costs are covered by basic insurance.

Avoid the sun in the middle of the day between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Avoid exposure to the sun when it’s at its strongest.

Children need special protection

Expose children to as little direct sunlight as possible: 80% of all skin damage caused by the sun occurs by the age of 18. Sunglasses, a hat and a UV shirt are the best protection, especially for sensitive children’s skin.

Protect with clothing and a hat

Textiles, sunglasses and a head covering offer protection against UV rays. There is now a wide range of clothing with special UV protection.

Repeated sunburn can increase the risk of skin cancer. Read how to avoid sunburn and what home remedies you can use to treat it.

Keep applying sunscreen

Use sunscreen with a very high protection factor (50+) to protect yourself against UVB and UVA rays. Remember to reapply it every two hours, and wear sunglasses and a hat. Find out more about sun protection.

Sun protection products today provide immediate protection. But it’s important to use the products before going out in the sun.

Be safe in the sun. This is the most important thing to do to avoid skin cancer. Are you concerned about a mark on your skin? If so, the ABCD rule can be a first guide to help you distinguish a mole from a melanoma. A regular mole check-up by a doctor is only recommended for people at risk of skin cancer.