If we listen to the old clichés about the weather, it rains (too) often in Brittany. And yet, did you know that the rate of skin cancer is three times higher than the national average in the region ? A phenomenon that worries the local health authorities. “We are faced with a gradual but continuous increase in the number of melanomas in Brittany over the last thirty years: we are three times higher than the French average.“, alarmed Élodie Poullin, director of the CPAM of Côtes d’Armor.
But how can we explain that Brittany – reputed to be rainy and cool – is particularly affected by this phenomenon, with nearly a thousand melanomas detected each year and a 28% excess mortality in women ? The first risk factor explaining these many cases is (quite simply) the weather. Indeed, faced with this capricious weather, the inhabitants tend not to protect themselves well from the sun. “However, despite all that is said, Brittany still has a significant UV incidence”nuances the dermatologist Luc Sulimovic, president of the National Syndicate of dermato-venerologists.
Sunburn doesn’t just happen in direct sunlight, and “can also occur when the temperature is lower, at the level of intensity from the UV level 3″recalls Élodie Poullin.
Another major factor: the inhabitants. “Among the population, there are many phototypes 1i.e. when you have light skin, eyes, complexion, hair color, you are genetically more at risk of having cancer“, adds Élodie Poullin. Certain professions, such as farmers and fishermen, are particularly represented in Brittany, i.e. people spending a lot of time outdoors, and often not wearing the necessary protection.
30% of Breton dermatologists will retire in less than five years
An increase that is all the more alarming since Brittany has been experiencing a shortage of dermatologists, doctors can detect skin cancer as early as possible. “In Saint-Brieuc, there were ten dermatologists ten years ago, now there is only one. And of the 120 dermatologists in Brittany, 30% will retire within five years”worries Dr. Nicole Cochelin, elected to the Regional Union of Health Professionals.
However, the phenomenon is not limited to Brittany. According to the WHO, this increase is taking place at the global level: in 2020, it identified over 1.5 million cases diagnosed and over 120,000 deaths. As of May 2022, experts from the Association of British Dermatologists estimated that one in five people will be affected by skin cancer in their lifetime. The fault with the aging of the population, but especially because of the increase in the exposure to the sun and the multiplication of the holidays abroad.
To reduce the risk of skin cancerit is recommended to avoid exposure to the sun during the hottest hours of the day, i.e. between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m., to cover your body, seek shade and apply sunscreen at least every two hours in case of prolonged exposure.
