Put Your Sunscreen On Muhammad Reyhan, Richard Holman Matanta, Sari Miftahul Jannah Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University Makassar, Indonesia
Abstract
In the recent 50 years( 1960-2010), earth’ s temperature have been increased approcimately 0,6oC, while it has only been increased by 0,4oC in the preceding 100 years( 1860-1960). This increase has some adverse effects to humans. Changes in temperature affects the weather, and results in the crops and food depletion Even more, it may affects the skin which is continously exposed to the enviroment- especially sunlight.
A clear correlation between skin cancer and climate change is proved by the increasing incidence of skin cancer, starting from 1960s. Skin cancer is a group of malignancy which may arrive from any types of cell in the skin( basal cell, melanocyte, etc) Ionizing radiation such as UVR may results in DNA damage and cause malignancy. Even more, immunosuppresive effect of UVR will worsen and assist the tumor metastasis.
One type of skin cancer which contributes to 75 % of all deaths related to skin cancer is malignant melanoma Malignant melanoma has a poor response to chemotherapy. Poor prognosis results from this property, and difficulty of surgical therapy due to metastasis. Even in non-malignant melanoma, large freckles may causes aesthetical issue.
Because of its resistance to current therapeutic options, prevention is highly recommended rather than curative approach. It is recommended to minimalize direct sun exposurs. This method is effective, but would not meet people’ s high activity. The simplest way to lower the risk of melanoma in climate change times while staying active, is by simply using the sunscreen. Recommended sunscreen with at least SPF 15 is enough to block 94 % of UVR to the skin. Some study have shown that using the recommended sunscreen would lower the risk of melanoma by 50 %. This cheap and easy method will for sure protects you from the emerging problem. So remember whenever you go outside, put your sunscreen on!