Skin cancers kill all too often

Skin cancers include pigmented lesions (mainly melanoma) and non-pigmented lesions (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, Merkel cell carcinoma). This is a growing health, social and economic problem in Poland. According to data from the NSC, they account for about 10 percent of all malignant neoplasms and, as experts point out, these figures are still severely underestimated. It can be assumed with a high degree of certainty that malignant skin cancers account for the majority of all malignant cancer diagnoses. In the case of melanoma, the disease can develop at any point in life. Most cases are recorded among adults aged 35-49 and among seniors aged 60-74.

- The main cause of all skin malignancies is overexposure to the sun, known as sunbathing, especially when it causes burns and blisters. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun damage genetic material (DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid) in the skin, causing abnormal cells to form. We are all at risk of contracting the disease, especially fair-skinned people who do not use any form of sun protection. - emphasizes Szymon Bubiłek, Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Sarcoma and Melanoma Society. - Using simple methods such as avoiding exposure between 11 am and 4 pm, using UV-filtered glasses and head coverings, using creams with a high sunscreen SPF preferably 50+, we can significantly reduce the risk of getting the disease. Very importantly, we should use a high sunscreen all year round, not just in the summer. We should also remember about regular daily self-examination, and once a year a visit to a dermatologist or surgical oncologist. - Szymon Bubilek adds.

Education about the dangers of sun exposure and its effects on health is of great importance in preventing skin cancer. And what is the public awareness of this topic?

- In our opinion, Poles still, either do not regularly watch their skin themselves, or downplay the symptoms. Unfortunately, many still believe that sun exposure is healthy because it ensures the formation of vitamin D. Thanks to the 2020 "Melanoma Awareness Survey," we know that only 13 percent of respondents shield uncovered body parts during sun exposure, such as at the beach. Only 33 percent say they use sunscreen when moving
in the sun, such as on their way to work or school. In turn, from the report "Why don't we get tested? Prevention of Polish women and men," shows that Poles are least likely (2 percent) to mention a dermatological examination as a test for diagnosing cancer. This shows how low the awareness in this area is, and how important educational activities and constant talking about effective forms of prevention are. We aim to associate dermatoscopy and videodermatoscopy with cancer prevention, just as mammography, for example, is associated with breast cancer prevention. The need for education is still great. - Szymon Bubiłek informs.

Following the voice of experts and pursuing a responsible corporate policy, the SENSUM MARE brand actively joins in and deepens its commitment aimed at increasing awareness and safety of Poles regarding skin cancer. And with the quality of its products, it convinces people that it is worth combining their activities with it.

- We combine the best that nature can give us with the achievements of modernity and science. We are uncompromising when it comes to quality. We are also uncompromising when it comes to health and safety, which is why we have used UV filters with the highest protection parameters in our products, protecting against solar UVA and UVB radiation, blue and infrared light, urban pollution, hyperpigmentation and photoaging. All of our filters have an eco-friendly formula based on EcoSun Pass technology, making the product also safe for the marine ecosystem and coral reefs. - says Lukasz Kolodziejek, co-owner of the SENSUM MARE brand.

What distinguishes SENSUM MARE's SPF 50+ cosmetics? Why does the formula developed by the company provide such good protection? - ALGODROPS SATIN contains as many as four filters - ATINOSORB M, TINOSORB S, UVINUL A PLUS, UVINUL T150 - which were developed based on organic microparticle technology, so they act as both a micropigment and an organic UV absorber. - emphasizes Lukasz Kolodziejek, co-owner of the SENSUM MARE brand.

SENSUM MARE is more than a cosmetics brand. It organizes research as part of the #FuraHealth campaign, supports patients and actively engages in pro-health educational activities.

- Responsibility for the world around us, taking care of the health of our customers - is not only a good CSR practice, but also an integral part of our business strategy. That's why the current educational campaign is so important to us, thanks to which we can publicize the need for prevention of skin diseases and thus positively influence the formation of attitudes and pro-health behavior in society. We realize that skin cancer is a very serious problem in Poland. At the same time, by using simple methods, such as avoiding exposure to the sun from 11:00 to 16:00, using sunglasses with UV filters and head coverings, using creams with a high protective filter SPF preferably 50+, proper application and, of course, reapplication - we can significantly reduce the risk of getting the disease. - says Maciej Tęsiorowski - co-founder of the SENSUM MARE brand. We got involved in the #FuraZdHealth campaign, organizing free skin cancer diagnostic tests. In addition, as part of our socially engaged marketing, we will be donating 5% of the profit from the sale of our latest innovative product ALGODROPS SATIN, available at sensummare.co.uk, to the statutory activities of the Sarcoma Association, i.e. to help the sick. It's a way of thinking that drives us to continue our development.- concludes Maciej Tęsiorowski.

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1) National Cancer Registry data https://onkologia.org.pl/pl/nowotwory-epidemiologia

2) From Melanoma Academy data https://www.akademiaczerniaka.org/artykuly/artykul/2023-05-18-xii-tydzien-swiadomosci-czerniaka-twoja-skora [accessed 04/07/2023].