SARAJEVO, JUNE 30 (ONASA) – With the aim of protecting citizens from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays, the Institute for Public Health of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in cooperation with the Institute of Health Insurance and Reinsurance of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, has issued recommendations.
In addition to the positive effects of exposure to the sun, part of the UV spectrum of solar radiation is directly related to the formation of melanoma, the most dangerous malignant skin tumor.
Melanoma affects people of any age, and is manifested by changes that become darkly pigmented or with irregular edges, of different colors or characterized by the appearance of fast-growing pink or red nodules.
It originates from melanocytes, specialized cells that produce skin pigment-melanin, located in the epidermis (surface layer of the skin).
Exposure to UV radiation causes microdamage to the genetic structure of melanocytes that accumulates over time, which ultimately results in mutations, uncontrolled growth and division of melanocytes, or the formation of melanoma.
Intense exposure to the sun, especially during vacations, carries a higher risk of getting melanoma. The use of solariums is also considered a major risk factor for its occurrence.
Melanoma can appear anywhere on the body, not only on the parts that are most often exposed to the sun, which is why it is necessary to implement preventive measures for its early detection – regularly check the skin and monitor changes in moles.
People with fair skin, blue or green eyes and lighter hair, people who have had previous episodes of sunburn or who often use tanning beds, people who have more than 50 birthmarks on their body and those who have a family history of melanoma are at the greatest risk of its occurrence. .
The mentioned groups of people, in addition to regular checks of their skin (whole body, once a month), should visit a dermatologist once a year. In case you notice any suspicious changes on already existing moles, you should immediately contact a dermatologist.
According to data from the Institute of Health Insurance and Reinsurance of the FBiH, in the Federation of BiH in the period June 2018 – June 2023, 252 patients with malignant melanoma were treated, of which 106 patients are currently undergoing treatment, 68 have completed therapy, 19 have discontinued therapy due to disease progression, while 59 patients died.
The total costs of treating patients with malignant melanoma in the Federation of BiH in the mentioned period amount to 20,413,602.45 BAM.
Considering that protection against UV radiation is a preventive measure, it is recommended to reduce exposure to the sun, as well as to avoid using artificial sources of UV rays, i.e. solariums.
This is supported by the fact that the occurrence of 86% of melanomas can be attributed to exposure to UV rays from the sun, and that one use of a solarium before the age of 35 can increase the risk of skin cancer by almost 60%.
Also, the risk of skin cancer triples if a person has ever had a sunburn that blistered or was painful for 2 or more days.
Protection measures against the harmful effects of the sun on the skin:
Do not expose yourself to the sun during the period when the sun is strongest (from 11:00 to 16:00) or stay in the shade.
During the first days of tanning, gradually expose yourself to the sun’s rays (eg the first day 1 hour, the next day 1.5 hours, etc.).
Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection.
If you engage in physical activity outdoors, exercise early in the morning or in the evening.
Use a sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection, even when staying in the shade.
Take protective measures even in cloudy weather, because the sun’s rays penetrate through the clouds, causing damage to the skin.
Since sunscreens do not provide the same level of protection, follow these guidelines:
Use sunscreens with UVA and UVB protection
Use sunscreen SPF 30 or higher – ideally SPF 50 (SPF is the “sun protection factor” – a factor, i.e. the level of protection of the skin from the sun)
Apply sunscreen 20-30 minutes before sun exposure
Apply sunscreen every two hours, before and after swimming, after heavy sweating, and after using a towel.