27-05-2025
Bedfordview survivor shares skin cancer warning
According to the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa), South Africans are at a higher risk of skin cancer.
For over three decades, 83-year-old Frank Payne has called Bedfordview home.
However, in the last four years, his life has been marked by an unexpected health battle: skin cancer.
Payne is now using his journey to shed light and educate others on the dangers of sun exposure.
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'I was always out in the sun, playing water polo and golf, all without a cap.
'It didn't seem like a big deal back then,' he explained.
Little did he know that that time in the sun would eventually catch up with him.
Payne was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, a common but potentially dangerous type of skin cancer caused by prolonged sun exposure.
'It's basically sun damage.
'It starts as a crusty lesion, like a pimple or dry patch on exposed skin.'
Basal cell carcinoma is just one of several types of skin cancer, including melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
While melanoma is the deadliest, all skin cancers pose a threat if not detected and treated early.
His journey has involved multiple surgeries, some requiring skin grafts to remove cancerous lesions from his scalp, nose, ear, and even under his eye.
'The ones on my head were the worst.
'Now they catch them earlier.'
His treatment was conducted by a team including a dermatologist and a plastic surgeon, who work together to biopsy and remove cancerous spots while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
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'Fortunately, my skin heals well.
I experienced very little pain following surgery.
I've had a shoulder replacement, and even then, I didn't need painkillers,' he said.
'The damage was done when I was young.
It's not about what you're doing now; it's about what you did back then,' he said.
'I think the biggest message is prevention.
'Our children should be wearing hats.
'In Australia, they can't even go outside during school without one,' he warned.
Though his journey has been filled with hospital visits, biopsies, and surgeries, he credits his sense of humour, family and his dogs for keeping his spirits high.
Now in his eighties, he has become a living reminder of the importance of early detection and sun safety.
'If something looks suspicious, a spot that doesn't heal, something crusty or new, go get it checked. Don't wait.'
Cansa explained that while May marks the end of summer for South Africans with winter fast approaching, it's also Melanoma Awareness Month, reminding us to continue to be sunsmart throughout the year, no matter the weather conditions.
'South Africa could become the skin cancer capital of the world,' said general medical practitioner Dr Donny Fick, who raised awareness for skin cancer when he took part in the 2024 Two Oceans run half marathon in April this year.
'I used the event to spotlight skin cancer because South Africa has high running participant numbers, with an increasing number of people having taken up the sport since COVID-19.'
Fick said, while he is not saying there is a connection between more runners and a higher occurrence of skin cancer, he says runners focus on the proper shoes and nutrition, but not so much on protecting themselves from the sun.
'Not enough runners use Sunscreen, and very few wear hats.
'Using the Two Oceans as a platform was an attempt to educate the runners and the rest of the population about the harmful effects of the sun.'
Figures prove that South Africans are at a higher risk of skin cancer.
Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, is one of the top 10 cancers in the country among men and women, according to the National Cancer Registry, 2023.
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The May melanoma awareness drive focuses on cancer risk reduction and early detection, which applies to most types of cancer.
It means adjusting lifestyle choices if necessary to lower the risk of cancer and to keep a watchful eye for warning signs that need to be checked by a medical professional.
Melanomas develop in the cells (melanocytes) that produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour.
Melanomas can develop on any skin colour and anywhere on the body, including the head, neck, eyes, under the fingernails, the genitals and the soles of the feet or palms of the hands.
They can be similar in colour to a mole, have no colour at all or be slightly red.
While melanomas most often develop in areas exposed to the sun, such as the back, legs, arms, and face, they can also occur in areas that don't receive much sun exposure and can show up inside the body.
All ethnic and racial groups are susceptible to melanoma; however, the typical patient has a fair complexion and a tendency to burn in the sun, even after a brief exposure to sunlight.
Although there is no conclusive evidence that exposure to sunlight causes melanoma, lesions are most commonly found on sun-exposed areas of the body.
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Other risk factors include the occurrence of a previous melanoma in the patient and a close family member, such as a parent or a sibling.
According to Lorraine Govender, Cansa national manager of health programmes, 'We advocate checking your spots. It's a highly presentable cancer; you can easily detect it on your skin.'
Cansa also advises companies whose employees work outside in the sun, such as those in the agricultural or building industries, to ensure they have adequate protection against the sun.
Look out for sunscreens, clothing, hats, and summer accessories that bear the Cansa Seal of Recognition.
'Even driving, you need to protect yourself,' she explained.
'Certain UV rays penetrate windows.'
She added that they also penetrate clouds, so you must wear sunscreen on overcast days.
Ficks said that the sooner people start using sunscreen, the better.
'Protecting yourself from the sun slows down the ageing process,' he said.
Govender agreed, stating, 'Sunscreen should be a mandatory part of any beauty regime for both men and women.
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 20 or higher, according to skin type.
'Men can be really bad at remembering to use sunscreen,' said Fick.
Part of his awareness campaign is to emphasise that men also need sun protection.
'Just do it,' he said, 'You will thank me later.'
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In South Africa, the risk of melanoma seems to be increasing in people under 40, especially women.
Signs and symptoms of melanoma
To help identify characteristics of unusual moles that may indicate melanomas or other skin cancers, think of the letters A, B, C, D and E:
• Asymmetry: Halves might not match when you draw a line through the mole.
• Border irregularities: Edges may be scalloped or notched.
• Colour variations: Different shades or unconventional colours may appear.
• Diameter: Moles that are wider than a pencil eraser.
• Evolving characteristics: Encompasses any change in size, shape, colour, elevation, or new symptoms like bleeding or itching.
Cancerous (malignant) moles vary in appearance, with some showing all the changes listed above and others having only one or two unusual characteristics.
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The first sign of melanoma is usually a new spot or an existing mole or freckle that changes in appearance.
Some changes can include growing in size or evolving; edges that are irregular rather than smooth and even; a range of colours such as brown, black, blue, red, white or light grey and moles becoming itchy or bleeding.
Any irregularities should immediately be reported to a doctor or dermatologist.
It is a good idea to arrange an annual skin examination with a dermatologist.
Bookings for screening may be made at your nearest Cansa Care Centre.
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