Every day, by simply being in the street, we expose ourselves. However, the sun is back and exposure to UV rays is a real risk of developing skin cancer.
Belgians are aware of this and yet, according to the Cancer Foundation, they do not protect themselves enough and especially during outdoor recreational activities…
The result is a real public health problem: one in five Belgians will face skin cancer in their lifetime. That means more than 100 skin cancer diagnoses every day. This figure includes all types of skin cancer, not just melanoma, which is the most aggressive form. The vast majority of skin cancers are the result of overexposure to UV rays, mainly those from the sun, but also those from sunbeds.
Since this week, the Cancer Foundation has launched a major campaign called “Check the UV index”. Remember that the UV index measures the intensity of the sun on a scale from 0 (very weak) to 11+ (extreme). “UV rays can already damage your skin in less than 15 minutes”, explains the Foundation. In Belgium, we go up to 10.
From an index of 3 or more, the Cancer Foundation therefore recommends protecting yourself from the harmful rays of the sun, by applying the 3 tips: shade (between noon and 3 p.m.), clothing, sunscreen (at least 30, with UVA and UVB filters and water resistant). There is a free SunSmart Global UV app.