Script – Derma – Science
Batac: Everyone, we are here in barangay St. Athanasius with our
dermatologists. Dr. Garlitos and Dr. Guzman. They will give us tips about
protecting ourselves from the harmful UV rays!
Garlitos: Hello Barangay Athanasius we heard from The Philippines Skin
Cancer Foundation (PSCF) has been alarmed with rapid growth of skin cancer
due to too much exposure to sunlight. We are alarmed with rapid growth of skin
cancer due to too much exposure to sunlight. Data of PCSF have shown that people
living in the remote barangay are more vulnerable of the disease due to lack of
knowledge. As a dermatologist, we will help you using these tips. Before that, what
is skin cancer?
Guzman: Overexposure to UV radiation can lead to serious health issues, including
cancer. Approximately 1 out of 50 Filipinos will be diagnosed with skin cancer at
some point in their lifetime.
Garlitos: From 2011 to 2021, the Philippine Dermatological Society documented 2102 basal
cell carcinomas and 614 squamous cell carcinomas. However, without a national cancer registry,
these are likely underestimations.
Garlitos: Overexposure to the sun can cause skin related issues such as sunburns,
eye cancer, and skin cancer. Skin cancer — the abnormal growth of skin cells —
most often develops on skin exposed to the sun. But this common form of cancer
can also occur on areas of your skin not ordinarily exposed to sunlight
Batac: So doctors, with that information can you enumerate ways on how the
residents of barangay Athanasius can protect themselves from the painful
UV rays.
Guzman: Number 1 is always the use of sunscreen. Many safe and effective
sunscreens are available, and using them daily will give you the best protection
from ultraviolet rays.
Garlitos: Wearing Sunscreen protects you from UV rays which are responsible for
sunburns. For people who are under the sun, they should wear sunscreen because
with UV rays our skin will age. They should reapply sunscreen every 2 hours to
ensure that they are always protected
Guzman: If sunscreen is absent you can use the traditional way. Use an umbrella
when it's very hot outside so that you can protect yourself from the harmful effects
of the sun.
Garlitos: Limit the amount of time you’re in the sun between 10:00 AM
and 4:00 PM. This is when the sun's rays are the most intense. Practice
the shadow rule: if your shadow is shorter than you, the sun's rays are at
their strongest, and you should find shade.
Guzman: Wear shades when you go out. UV-blocking sunglasses are important for protecting
the delicate skin around the eyes, as well as the eyes themselves. Research has shown that
long hours in the sun without protecting your eyes increase your chances of developing
certain eye diseases.
Garlitos: Vitamin D has many health benefits. It might even help lower the risk for some
cancers. Your skin makes vitamin D naturally when you are in the sun. How much vitamin D
you make depends on many things, including how old you are, how dark your skin is, and
how strong the sunlight is where you live
Guzman: Use Extra Caution Near Water and Sand: These surfaces reflect the damaging rays
of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn
Regala: From our visiting of Barangay Athanasius, we’ve learned that the overexposure to
the sun may destroy our skin and ruin our skin barrier. So as our doctors said, sunscreen is
the best shield toward dangerous sun rays. Thank you for listening to us. Until next time
