Spring sun and winter skin
In spring, our skin is particularly sensitive to the increasingly intense UVA and UVB rays. Even on a dull day, around 80 percent of the rays reach the earth's surface. The Cancer League shows how a few behaviors can reduce the personal risk of skin cancer.
Sunlight has a positive effect on our well-being, gets the circulation going and releases happiness hormones. It is important now not to underestimate the power of the spring sun. After winter, the skin is particularly sensitive. Even on a cool, overcast day, up to 80 percent of harmful rays affect us through the cloud cover. That makes - even on a gloomy day - the invisible spring sun a fire hazard. And increases the risk of developing skin cancer.
Skin damage caused by UV radiation is the main cause of skin cancer. Every year, around 2,500 people in Switzerland develop black skin cancer; around 310 people die. If detected early, there is a good chance of successful treatment. To prevent this from happening, the Cancer League provides information: Everyone can reduce their cancer risk with the right behavior.
The Cancer League educates, advises and recommends
- Wear hat, sunglasses and clothes. Shoulder-covered clothing is a very good protection, especially during prolonged outdoor activities such as gardening, cycling or hiking.
- Always seek shade, it is the best sun protection. Especially between 11 am and 3 pm, when the sun is at its most intense.
- Use sunscreen. To supplement shade and clothing, apply plenty of sunscreen to uncovered skin. Caution: Sunscreen is not a free pass for unlimited exposure to the sun.
Information material
Brochures such as "Sun protection", "Sun protection - The most important facts in brief" and "Sun protection for my child" as well as fact sheets can be downloaded or ordered free of charge from www.krebsliga.ch/sonnenschutz.
Text: Swiss Cancer League
