In France, the incidence of skin melanoma has increased fivefold in less than thirty years, according to the National Cancer Institute, making it one of the cancers with the steepest rise in incidence. Between 2010 and 2023, this trend continued at a steady pace, with an average annual increase of 2% in the number of new cases. These figures underscore the importance of continuing to raise public awareness about the risks posed by exposure to sunlight and artificial ultraviolet radiation—especially as the summer vacation season approaches.

Protecting Yourself Effectively

To protect yourself from the sun, there are several habits to adopt and keep in mind all year round:

• Limiting direct exposure to the sun’s rays as much as possible remains the best protection, especially during the hottest hours of the day, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Apply a sufficient amount (two teaspoons for the face, arms, and neck; two tablespoons for the body when swimming) of SPF 50+ sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays every two hours and after swimming or exercising.
• Wear long, loose-fitting, covering clothing, along with a hat with a brim at least 7 cm wide and a pair of CE-marked sunglasses.
• Never expose infants to the sun, and take special care to protect children with covering clothing, even while swimming. Sunburns during childhood are, in fact, a major risk factor for skin cancer.

Finally, tanning bed sessions should be avoided year-round.

Monitor your moles and know your skin

Melanoma detected early has a good prognosis. However, a late diagnosis greatly reduces the chances of recovery. Melanoma is a cancer with a high potential for metastasis, particularly to the lungs. It is therefore essential to have photos of your entire skin taken at a specific point in time so you can track any changes and learn to monitor your moles. To this end, the ABCDE rule has been established to help identify moles that appear abnormal. If in doubt—or if a mole changes, itches, or starts to bleed—you should consult a healthcare professional immediately.

Additional Precautions for Cancer Patients

People currently undergoing cancer treatment or who have recently completed treatment may be more sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) rays. This is mainly due to the side effects of treatment, which can make the skin more fragile or even photosensitive. It is therefore essential to strictly follow sun safety guidelines, especially during the summer months.

Depending on the treatments received, the risks associated with sun exposure may vary. As summer approaches, it is therefore important to consult with your oncologist, who will use their expertise to inform you of the various risks. 

• Chemotherapy: Certain medications can cause photosensitization reactions, leading to redness, burns, or rashes after sun exposure. The loss of eyelashes makes the eyes more sensitive to the sun, requiring the use of sunglasses that provide high protection.
• Radiation therapy: Irradiated skin becomes particularly vulnerable. It must be strictly protected from the sun for several months, or even more than a year, to prevent inflammation, burns, or permanent pigmentation.
• Targeted therapies and immunotherapy: Certain treatments can cause an exaggerated skin reaction to UV rays, increasing the risk of severe sunburn.
• Hormone therapy: It can promote the development of pigmented spots, particularly on the face.
• Surgery: A scar exposed to the sun too soon may become permanently pigmented. It is recommended to cover it completely for at least one year.