Myth & Facts about Skin Cancer & Sun Protection

This article was contributed by Dr Lim Ai Wei, Consultant Dermatologist at Pantai Hospital Klang.
To book an appointment or learn more about Dr Lim Ai Wei and her clinic, click here.

Myth 1: Only fair-skinned people get skin cancer.

✅ Fact: Even though fair-skinned individuals are at higher risk, anyone regardless of skin tone can develop skin cancer.

Myth 2: Skin cancer only happens on sun-exposed areas.

✅ Fact: Skin cancer can appear any site of the body, even though they are more common on sun exposed area.

Myth 3: You don’t need sunscreen if you don’t spend time under the sun

✅ Fact: UV rays can penetrate clouds and even windows. Indoor lightings also emit small amounts of UV rays

Myth 4: Skin cancer isn’t deadly.

✅ Fact: While many cases are treatable if caught early, melanoma (a serious form of skin cancer) can be life-threatening if it spreads.

Myth 5: Wearing sunscreen once a day is enough.

✅ Fact: Sunscreen easily wear off by sweat or in contact with water. Hence sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hourly for full protection, especially when outdoor, after sweating or swimming