The Cape City Cycle Tour 2025 is making pores and skin well being a precedence, with the enduring sporting occasion providing 1500-2000 members a free screening for melanoma. With this information, we have a look at how one can deal with your pores and skin whilst you’re using your bicycle.
Pores and skin well being consciousness drive at Cycle Tour 2025
The Cape City Cycle Tour has launched the melanoma and pores and skin well being consciousness initiative in reminiscence of deceased bicycle owner Tim Brink who died of most cancers in 2024. “His battle started with a melanoma, which was solely identified after it had unfold to surrounding areas” stated Cape City Cycle Tour Belief Director, David Bellairs, in an announcement.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde, who is among the spearheading events, stated: “This initiative is devoted to the reminiscence of Tim Brink, beloved editor of Bicycling Journal and a revered determine in South Africa’s biking group, whose battle with melanoma has grow to be a strong inspiration for us to take motion and shield others. This can be a motion that redefines how we sort out pores and skin most cancers prevention by public occasions.”
Cyclists using within the Cape City Cycle Tour will obtain an e-mail encouraging them to fill out a questionnaire about their pores and skin well being. This can be used to point members who’re most at-risk and most acceptable for a screening. Screenings will happen on the Expo venue in Greenpoint. The marketing campaign is offered by Clicks, with the assist of Eucerin, La Roche- Posay, Bioderma, Dermalogica, Cipla and ISDIN.
Why screening for pores and skin most cancers is necessary
Cyclists spend lengthy hours within the solar, with little shade protection. This makes them extra weak than most individuals to pores and skin cancers like melanoma. One of many dermatologists concerned within the drive is the famed Dr Michael Mol. He explains:
“Melanoma is the deadliest pores and skin most cancers, but it surely provides a novel benefit: It is among the few cancers that we will see. Recognizing it early, earlier than it spreads, dramatically boosts survival charges and makes therapy far simpler. With pores and skin most cancers there is no such thing as a excuse to overlook what’s in plain sight.”
Based on the Mayo Clinic, the primary signs of attainable melanoma are often a change in an current mole and growing a brand new pigmented or unusual-looking development on the pores and skin.
How cyclists can shield their pores and skin well being
Whether or not you’ll be taking up Cape City’s roads on 9 March or benefit from the occasional trip across the neighbourhood, there are a number of issues you are able to do to enhance your pores and skin well being. The US-based Pores and skin Most cancers Basis makes the next solutions, particularly for cyclists:
Apply sunscreen to high-exposure areas
It is best to apply sunscreen to all areas in your physique, however particularly to people who will obtain probably the most daylight. The backs of your neck, ears and legs are sometimes probably the most uncovered to the solar whenever you cycle so you must goal these areas that are generally forgotten.
Put on UV protecting clothes
{Most professional} biking gear now incorporate a component of UV safety to advertise pores and skin well being. This expertise permits the solar’s dangerous UV rays to be filtered out by the material. You too can purchase leg and arm sleeves so as to add a barrier between your pores and skin and the solar. Utilizing a helmet with a visor will present shade over your face. It’s additionally a good suggestion to put on UV protecting sun shades.
Reapply sunscreen throughout breaks
Rehydrate, refuel and repeat. These are the three R’s of long-distance biking, reminding sportspeople to cease each hour for a physique break. The Pores and skin Basis recommends including one other ‘R’ and reapplying sunscreen. Sunscreen ought to be reapplied each two hours and extra incessantly in case you’re sweating.
How do you take care of your pores and skin well being when biking?
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