The Incidence of Skin Cancer in Relation to Climate Change in South Africa

Caradee Y Wright,Willem I Visser,Bianca M Tod,David Jean Du Preez,Thandi Kapwata,Mary Norval,Bianca Wernecke

doi:10.3390/atmos10100634

Abstract

Climate change is associated with shifts in global weather patterns, especially an increase in ambient temperature, and is deemed a formidable threat to human health. Skin cancer, a non-communicable disease, has been underexplored in relation to a changing climate. Exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is the major environmental risk factor for skin cancer. South Africa is situated in the mid-latitudes and experiences relatively high levels of sun exposure with summertime UV Index values greater than 10. The incidence of skin cancer in the population group with fair skin is considered high, with cost implications relating to diagnosis and treatment. Here, the relationship between skin cancer and several environmental factors likely to be affected by climate change in South Africa are discussed including airborne pollutants, solar UVR, ambient temperature and rainfall. Recommended strategies for personal sun protection, such as shade, clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, may change as human behaviour adapts to a warming climate. Further research and data are required to assess any future impact of climate change on the incidence of skin cancer in South Africa.

Highlights

Climate change is deemed the greatest threat to public health in the 21st Century [1]
An increase in the incidence of CM and KC in the population groups of South Africa has occurred in recent years, with cost implications relating to diagnosis and treatment
There are several ways in which climate change could affect the current incidence rates. These relate to shifts in meteorological variables, air pollution, temperature, rainfall and cloud cover, all of which influence solar

Summary

Introduction

Climate change is deemed the greatest threat to public health in the 21st Century [1] It leads to shifts in weather patterns, increasing ambient temperatures and the occurrence of extreme weather events. While many studies have considered climate change in relation to vector- and water-borne diseases in South Africa, little is known about non-communicable diseases such as skin cancer for which the major environmental risk factor is exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR). South Africa is first described before summarising the epidemiology of skin cancer in this country. Atmosphere 2019, 10, 634 likely to be affected by climate change. These findings are used to suggest recommendations for reducing risk of skin cancer change.

South African Geography and Population

Costs Due to Skin Cancer in South Africa

Air Pollution and Skin Cancer

Adaptation Strategies

Findings

Conclusions