The pharmacies of Córdoba and the AECC join forces to prevent skin cancerAJ GONZÁLEZ
The Spanish Association against Cancer (AECC) of Cordova and College of Pharmacists of Córdoba have developed this Thursday, on the occasion of the World Skin Cancer Day which is celebrated every June 13, a information day on Gran Capitán Avenue with the objective of raising awareness among Cordoba citizens about skin cancer, and the importance of prevention and early detectionthrough a correct solar photoprotection and avoid overexposure to the sun’s radiation, which is the main risk factor for this type of tumor.
The event, held through a tent, included the participation of Rafael Casaño, president of the College of Pharmacists of Córdoba; Mª Auxiliadora Cabanás, president of the AECC of Córdoba; María Jesús Botella, territorial delegate of Health and Consumer Affairs of the Junta de Andalucía; Ana María López, subdelegate of the Government in Córdoba; Elena Grande, member of Dermopharmacy of the COF Córdoba, as well as with representatives of hospitals in the province and the CCOO and UGT unions.
Authorities attending the presentation of the campaign.
Sun all year round in Córdoba
All participants have pointed out the importance of carrying out the adequate preventive measures to prevent skin cancer, such as avoiding intense sun exposureprotect the skin and use effective and safe photoprotective creams. Especially in the case of minors, older people or pregnant women, and in particular, in these upcoming summer months, where solar radiation is greater, although It is also important to protect yourself during the rest of the year, and in a city like Córdoba, where there are many sunny days a year.
On the day Various pharmacists have informed the Córdoba population of the incidence and characteristics of this type of tumor, while they have offered a decalogue of advice on good photoprotection from the sun, delivering informative leaflets and analyzing, through dermoanalyzers, the skin of the people who have come to the tent to check what skin phototype they have and what it is. your suitable sunscreen. Likewise, they have indicated the main recommendations on how photoprotectors should be applied, in addition to clarifying doubts about effective and safe sun exposure or about the labeling of photoprotective products, and explaining that some medications can cause interactions with solar radiation.
Pharmacist advice
“All pharmaceutical professionals, from their various professional fields and competencies, can contribute to the adequate advice and healthcare to citizens and patients with skin cancer. In this casethe figure of the community pharmacist takes on special relevance in the prevention and early detection of pathology, given its proximity and accessibility to pharmacies, offering rigorous information and practical advice that are key to combating a type of cancer in epidemiological expansion,” highlighted the president of the College of Pharmacists of Córdoba.
Carrying out the campaign to prevent skin cancer.
The member of Dermopharmacy of the pharmaceutical college, Elena Grande, has indicated that “The main risk factor for skin cancer is related to ultraviolet radiation.” and, for the most part, coming from excessive sun exposure, which is why it is an avoidable factor about which the entire society must be aware. If we protected our skin well, the diagnosis rate of this tumor would be greatly reduced and the survival rate would increase, also reducing the burden of patients on the healthcare system. From pharmacies we help with this, advising on the need to protect yourself from the sun and the sun. use of sunscreens that are safe and effectivein addition to how to use them, the frequency with which they should be applied to children, pregnant women, elderly people, etc., and that if any new spot or mole appears on the skin, they should consult a dermatologist.”
Solar radiation is a source of energy necessary for the human body, but in an uncontrolled manner it poses a health risk. In addition to skin cancer, UVB, UVA, visible light (VIS) and infrared A (IR-A) radiation can cause sunburn, photosensitivity and allergies in the short term, and skin photoaging and alteration of the immune system in the long term. . Hence the importance of effective and safe sun protection for the skin.
1. Avoid sun exposure in the middle of the day (between 12:00 and 16:00) and prolonged exposure.
2. Use a sunscreen adapted to your skin type and appropriate clothing during outdoor activities. Also on cloudy days.
3. Apply sunscreen half an hour before exposure, and renew its application every 2 hours, without forgetting any exposed areas.
4. Do not use the photoprotector once the PAO (shelf life of a cosmetic product after opening its container for the first time) has passed as it may reduce its effectiveness and safety.
5. Oral sunscreens never replace topical sunscreens, they only complement them, achieving deeper and more comprehensive sun protection.
6. Moisturize your skin after sun exposure.
7. Increase precautions in children, the elderly and pregnant women.
8. Some medications can interact with solar radiation producing photosensitivity or photoallergy reactions. Check at your pharmacy.
9. Remember that self-tanning creams do not protect from the sun.
10. Go to the dermatologist if a mole or freckle appears or develops.
