One in 12 South African men will get skin cancer, and white males over 50 are the most susceptible to the disease.
Knowing how to check for non-melanoma (basal cell and squamous cell) and melanoma, the deadly form of skin cancer, can save your life, says Dr Michael Kaminer, a dermatologist and skin cancer surgeon.
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The chart below will help you do a self-check. If you spot an unusual blemish, see a dermatologist immediately. Every golfer should see a skin doctor annually. After removal of a mole, golfers can be back playing in a week, Kaminer says.
Facts about sunblock
1. Gels and sprays are best
Sunblocks that are nongreasy, such as Clinique Suncare body spray, or Dermalogica waterproof solar spray, are ideal for golfers. If you prefer lotions, consider RAD SPF16, SP20, Piz Buin, Nivea Sun, Everysun, Tropitone or Johnson’s Suncare.
It lasts only two hours. No matter what the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is, you have to re-apply every two hours. The amount golfers typically apply is about half of what they need. Don’t skimp.
2. Focus on nose, ears, scalp, and lips
These areas are either ignored when it comes to sun protection or are highly susceptible to cancer. Use a lip balm with an SPF of 15 or better. Spray sunblocks are okay for your hair or balding areas, but you should still wear a hat.
3. SPF 15 is the minimum
SPF 1 would protect you if you were standing outside on a sunny, summer day for 10 minutes. You need 15 times that to get through nine holes without sunburn.
4. Stop UVA and UVB rays
Use only sunblocks that protect against both types of ultra-violet rays (UVA and UVB). The fastest-acting sunblocks have titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide, which are physical blockers. Chemical blockers work well but take up to 30 minutes to start working, so apply well before you go outdoors.
5. Cloudy days do produce burns
Ultraviolet rays are always bouncing off you. So wear sunblock at all times. If you get burned, keep the area moisturised.
6. “A” is for asymmetry
If you draw a line through the middle of the mole, the halves of a melanoma won’t match in size.
7. “B” is for border
The edges of an early melanoma tend to be uneven, crusty or notched.
8. “C” is for colour
Healthy moles are uniform in colour. A variety of colours, especially white and/or blue, are bad.
9. “D” is for diameter
Melanomas are usually larger in diameter than a pencil eraser, although they can be smaller.
10. “E” is for evolving
When a mole changes in size, shape or colour, or begins to bleed or scab, this points to danger.
To find out more about Golf and Health and to how to prevent injury get the November issue of Golf Digest on sale now.
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