Expresso interview: skin cancer prevention and year-round sun protection

Skin cancer prevention is not a summer topic: it is a health habit for the whole year. In Revista do Expresso, a conversation with a specialist reinforces the link between sunburn, cumulative sun exposure and skin cancer risk in Portugal, focusing on simple measures that make a difference day to day.

Illustration from Revista E, Expresso, on the risks of sun exposure and the importance of skin cancer prevention through sunscreen use and daily photoprotection.

In this edition, oncological dermatologist Ellene Papazis underlines a practical principle that is frequently ignored: the best sunscreen is the one a person can actually use consistently. She therefore recommends choosing an affordable option and packaging that makes reapplication every two hours easy, favouring SPF 50 or above and continuous use throughout the year, not only at the beach.

The interview also clarifies an important point: a higher SPF does not mean “much more protection”, but rather more time of protection — which does not remove the need to reapply correctly and to combine photoprotection with safe behaviour: shade, suitable clothing, and avoiding peak radiation hours.

Skin cancer prevention is one of the fundamental pillars of dermatology. In the article published in Revista E, Expresso, dermatologist Ellene Papazis reinforces the importance of photoprotection and skin cancer prevention, of using sunscreen with SPF 50 or above, and of regular reapplication throughout the day to reduce the risk of sunburn and of skin damage associated with ultraviolet radiation.

The article can also be read online.