In Singapore, you don’t hear much about skin cancer. Which is weird considering Singapore is sunny all year round.
Here are two facts every Singaporean staying here have to know:
Fact #1: S’pore UV Radiation Is At An All-Time High
Singapore has one of the highest levels of Ultraviolet Radiation (UV) in the entire world all year round.
Here’s a look at what the NEA has to say about the Ultraviolet Index in Singapore.
It’s high and very high all year round.
This chart was created according to the UV index, which was put into place by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
And here’s a chart showing the degree of protection required to be safe:
And that’s bad because most Singaporeans do not put on any sunscreen (or just the bare minimum) when going out under the sun.
After all, it’s damn troublesome, right? And if you’re a guy, you’re not vain enough to put on sunscreen every single day, which is reserved for pretty boys.
Which is probably why…
Fact #2: People Diagnosed With Skin Cancer Increased
Within the past 50 years, the number of Singaporeans diagnosed with skin cancer has increased.
The age-specific incidence rate (frequency) for people in the above-65 age group has more than doubled.
But more alarmingly, the numbers for the 35-64 age group has increased as well:
- 2008-2012: 942 cases
- 2013-2017: 1017 cases
The biggest risk factor for young Singaporeans is exposure to the hot sun in Singapore.
Experts have attributed the upward trend to the following few factors:
- Greater awareness, which results in more getting checkups and detecting the condition
- Changes in diagnostic criteria for young people
- People not wearing adequate sun protection when out in the sun
- A misconception that only fair-skinned and old people are at risk of getting skin cancer.
What Cancers Are We Talking About Here
There are three types of cancers common in Singapore.
The first two are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These are related to constant sun exposure throughout a person’s lifetime.
Which is probably why older people get it more since they have more exposure to the sun.
These two cancers are treatable when detected early enough.
Another type of skin cancer is known as melanoma. This condition is related to intermittent, intense sun exposure.
Especially during childhood or when you’re younger.
Melanoma is more dangerous, causing the greatest number of cancer-related deaths worldwide.
Moral Of The Story:
Singaporeans have a mantra that we keep to: better be safe than sorry.
Apply this to our sunny problem as well.
And if you really want to be outside and safe, the 11am to 3pm period is the hottest (with the highest level of UV rays).
So organise your activities around this timing and put on adequate protection when you do them.
After all, not only is skin cancer potentially fatal, it can be really hard to detect in the early stages as well.
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Which sucks because the two common skin cancer in Singapore can be treated easily when detected early.
Some Red Flags To Watch Out For:
Now, you’re feeling paranoid (especially if you work under the sun) and you’re wondering if you should spend the money to go to a checkup.
Here are a couple of things you might want to look out for when you make your decision:
- New moles
- Moles that increase in size
- An outline of a mole that becomes irregular or ragged
- A spot that has been changing in colour, or is varied or has a pearl-like sheen
- A spot that becomes raised or develops a lump within it
- The surface of a mole becoming rough, scaly or ulcerated
- Moles that itch or tingle
- Moles or spots that bleed or weep
- Spots that look different from the others
- Lesions or sores that never completely heal
Again, remember, these are just guidelines.
Always seek a medical professional for an official diagnosis before you panic. After all, they’ll be able to tell you what to do.
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Remember, googling for a diagnosis always ends badly.
