The high temperatures recorded in São Paulo in recent days are a new indication of the need to increase sun protection to prevent skin cancer.
On Christmas Day, the temperature in the capital reached 35.9ºC at 4 p.m. at Mirante de Santana, maintained by the National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet). This is a record for the month of December since 1988, when the record was 35.6ºC for the month.
Summer began on December 21 and will end on March 20, 2026. During the season, high temperatures and a greater risk of dehydration are expected, conditions that influence the development of skin cancer.
The disease represents 30% of malignant tumors recorded in Brazil.
According to the National Cancer Institute (Inca), Brazil records more than 185,000 new cases per year. Although sunlight is important for health, uncontrolled ultraviolet (UV) rays are harmful to human skin and contribute to the development of disease.
Dermatologist Sigefredo Griso, from the Social Civil Construction Service of the State of São Paulo (Seconci-SP), explains that solar radiation has a cumulative effect, leading to premature aging, blemishes and increasing the risk of skin cancer. That is why, even on cloudy days or at alternative times, the protection is oriented.
For Griso, care goes beyond sunscreen and involves a combination of preventative measures, such as avoiding direct exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., wearing light, light-colored clothing, as well as hats, caps and sunglasses.
“Even indoors, it is important to use sunscreen, especially if you are near windows. The light emitted by computer screens and lamps can also cause damage to the skin,” adds the dermatologist.
Types of skin cancer
Although this tumor is the most common in Brazil, it also has one of the highest cure rates. If identified early, the recovery rate is over 90%, according to the Ministry of Health (MOH).
Skin cancer is divided into two categories: melanoma, which is more aggressive and rare, and non-melanoma, which is more common.
Non-melanomas can be of the type basal cell carcinoma (common in older people and people with light skin and eyes who have been exposed to the sun throughout their lives) and squamous cell carcinoma, which is more likely to be internally invasive and even lead to the death of the patient.
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The main characteristic of this skin cancer is the appearance of bruises or sores that bleed and do not heal. Melanomas appear as if they are moles that grow more than they should, especially in adulthood.
Despite the different clinical presentation, treatment for skin cancer involves removing the entire lesion, which is sent for biopsy. Based on medical advice, the dermatologist will determine whether healing has already occurred or whether the process should be continued.
Risky habits
Below are some actions and habits that increase the risk of contracting the disease. See some:
- Apply less sunscreen than necessary
- Not reapplying the filter at the ideal interval
- Ignore sensitive areas (regions such as ears, neck, lips)
- Applying sunscreen at the last minute
- Believing that indoor environments require no protection
- Using expired or poorly stored products
Experts recommend that people with a family history of skin cancer see a dermatologist several times a year. For those without a family history, it is recommended to have a medical examination at least once a year.
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