Cure for killer skin cancer on the way

A newly constructed molecule has given doctors fresh hope in the battle against a type of skin cancer particularly prevalent among white South Africans.

The man-made molecule, discovered in the US, is claimed to stop malignant melanoma - the deadliest skin cancer - spreading to other parts of the body, and is 90% effective, researchers say.

"Most people die from melanoma because of the disease spreading," said Richard Neubig, head of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University.

"Our compound can block cancer migration and increase patient survival."

In lab experiments the compound reduced the spread of melanoma cells by 85%-90%. It also significantly reduced tumours in the lungs of mice injected with human melanoma cells.

White South Africans have one of the highest incidences of malignant melanoma in the world, at 19.2 cases per 100,000 people annually. They are particularly susceptible because of the high intensity of ultraviolet radiation to which they are subjected.

Certain provinces have higher rates: Western Cape has the same malignant melanoma rate as Australia, where there are 49 cases per 100,000 people annually.

Caradee Wright, a specialist scientist at the SA Medical Research Council, said awareness of malignant melanoma was low.

"When you talk to people in the Department of Health, in communicable diseases, they say it's not an issue because there are bigger problems, such as TB and HIV/Aids."

Wright said her research estimated that South Africa spent up to R92-million a year on treating skin cancer.

Although melanoma is most prevalent among whites, black people are also susceptible.

Whites develop melanomas on the lower legs, stomach and thighs, whereas blacks usually develop lesions on their palms and the soles of their feet.

The head of marketing and communication at the Cancer Association of SA, Lucy Balona, was cautious about the potential of the new treatment.

"It will take years before it reaches our country, [after] tests and approval by the various regulatory bodies," she said.

"We also have to consider what the cost will be, and will it be affordable by all.?"

Michigan State University's Neubig said more research was needed before the compound could be used by doctors. The next step was to identify on which melanoma patients it worked best.

The Melanoma World Society will hold its first international education symposium - Skin Cancer 2017 - in Cape Town in March.

The World Health Organisation says the main causes of melanoma are exposure to the sun and a history of sunburn.

"If you get intense doses of sun, it is worse than a farmer who is out in the sun every day," said Wright.

Said Cancer Association CEO Elize Joubert: "The key message is that everyone is at risk of getting skin cancer. It doesn't matter how old you are, your skin type or where you live.

"It's up to you to work to lower the skin-cancer risk. Ensure that you are protected in the sun, know your family history and skin type, and do your monthly mole check."

• The Cancer Association of SA recommends that people stay out of the sun between 10am and 3pm; use sunscreen with a protection factor of between 20 and 50 and reapply it frequently; wear a wide-brimmed hat and UV protective clothing; and check their skin every month.

Other preventive measures include eating a diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, fruit, and vegetables, which contribute to fighting free radicals - organic molecules that damage body tissue.