Constant sun exposure, especially during summer when temperatures are high, can cause deadly skin cancer, the Department of Health warned this week.
In a media forum, DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said sun burn or redness of the skin after staying under the sun for a few hours is common and not alarming but warned against prolonged exposure to UV radiation.
“Pero ‘yung nag-stay kayo the whole day under the sun, tapos nakita niyo po ‘yung balat niyo hindi na lang po namumula, pumuputok putok na, nagtutubig, kelangan na po ninyo magpatingin sa doctor para mabigyan kayo ng necessary medication o treatment,” she said.
Citing data from the Philippine Dermatological Society, Vergeire noted there are around 2,700 Filipinos who have had skin cancers since 2011.
“From 2011 to 2021, we had a total of 2,102 basal cell carcinomas and 614 squamous cell carcinomas,” she said.
Severe sun burn and skin cancer could be prevented.
“Ang paglabas po sa araw, iwasan po natin, lalong lalo na kapag matindi ang sikat ng araw, and always wear sun protection ‘yung ating mga nilalagay na mga sunscreens para mapo-protektahan din tayo from the direct effect of sun to our skin,” she added. – PNA
April 24, 2024
