The Incidence of Skin Cancer in Relation to Climate Change in South Africa

Abstract

Climate change is associated with shifts in global weather patterns, especially an increase in ambient temperature, and is deemed a formidable threat to human health. Skin cancer, a non-communicable disease, has been underexplored in relation to a changing climate. Exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is the major environmental risk factor for skin cancer. South Africa is situated in the mid-latitudes and experiences relatively high levels of sun exposure with summertime UV Index values greater than 10. The incidence of skin cancer in the population group with fair skin is considered high, with cost implications relating to diagnosis and treatment. Here, the relationship between skin cancer and several environmental factors likely to be affected by climate change in South Africa are discussed including airborne pollutants, solar UVR, ambient temperature and rainfall. Recommended strategies for personal sun protection, such as shade, clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, may change as human behaviour adapts to a warming climate. Further research and data are required to assess any future impact of climate change on the incidence of skin cancer in South Africa.

1. Introduction

Climate change is deemed the greatest threat to public health in the 21st Century [1]. It leads to shifts in weather patterns, increasing ambient temperatures and the occurrence of extreme weather events. These threaten economies, livelihoods and the health and wellbeing of people globally. While many studies have considered climate change in relation to vector- and water-borne diseases in South Africa, little is known about non-communicable diseases such as skin cancer for which the major environmental risk factor is exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Here the geography of South Africa is first described before summarising the epidemiology of skin cancer in this country. An attempt is made to explore the relationship between skin cancer and several environmental factors likely to be affected by climate change. These findings are then used to suggest recommendations for reducing the risk of skin cancer and encouraging sun protection for South Africans.

2. South African Geography and Population

Situated at the southern tip of Africa, South Africa spans from approximately 22° to 34° S and comprises nine Provinces (Figure 1). The country’s topography includes coastal plains at sea level and a central plateau, known as the Highveld, at an average altitude of 1200 m. A stationary high-pressure cell over the Highveld and interior of the country results in relatively cloudless skies, which together with the altitude, contributes to high solar UVR levels. Erythemally-weighted irradiances from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) are calculated at approximately solar noon when the satellite passes over. The erythemally-weighted irradiances are calculated between 290–400 nm and are corrected for local terrain height [2,3]. Using the daily (2004–2018) erythemally-weighted irradiances [4], the mean ultraviolet index (UVI) [5] values for winter and summer months were calculated for South Africa (Figure 2). During summer, most of the interior of the country experiences levels above 10 UVI with the highest observed over the Northern Cape Province. In winter, the northern parts of the country have the highest levels of about 5 UVI, while they are lower in the southern regions.

South Africa’s multi-ethnic population is officially grouped into Black African, Mixed Ancestry (mixed European (white) and African (black) or Asian ancestry, with skin colour ranging from pale to dark brown), Asian/Indian and White. According to the 2018 mid-year population estimates 81% were Black African, 9% Mixed Ancestry, 8% White, and 2% Indian/Asian [6]. The mid-year population in 2018 was 57.7 million [6].

3. Current Incidence of Skin Cancer and Mortality Data

Skin cancer can be broadly divided into two types: cutaneous melanoma (CM) and keratinocyte carcinoma (KC). KCs are the most common malignancies worldwide [7] with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) being the most frequent followed by squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). All skin cancers have shown an increase in incidence worldwide over the past decades [7,8], although many of the cancer registries exclude KCs due to their low mortality rates and, in those that do include them, under-reporting is common.

The incidence of skin cancer in South Africa is monitored by the National Cancer Registry (NCR). This was established in 1986 as a pathology-based cancer reporting system and reporting skin cancers to the NCR is mandatory.

Table 1. Skin cancer statistics for South Africa for the year 2014 from NCR [11].

Age Standardised Incidence		Rate per 100,000
Cutaneous Melanoma	All	2.7
	Black African	0.5
	White	23.2
Basal Cell Carcinoma	Females	28.6
	Males	55.6
Basal Cell Carcinoma	White Females	138.0
	White Males	223.2
	Black African Females	2.2
	Black African Males	3.5
Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma	Females	10.6
	Males	25.6
Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma	White Females	38.8
	White Males	84.5
	Black African Females	2.0
	Black African Males	3.5

presents skin cancer statistics from 2014. It is evident from these figures that CM and KC are found in White individuals predominantly but can also occur in people with deeply pigmented skin although at a greatly reduced rate.

An increase in the incidence of CM and KC in White and Black African men and women was demonstrated when the data from 2000–2004 [9] were compared with the 2014 data. The age-related mortality rates for the period 1997–2014 due to CM in South Africa showed an increasing trend of 11% per year in men between 2000 and 2005, rising from 2 to 3 per 100,000 after which the rate plateaued [10]. In women, there was a smaller increase of 2% per year from 1997–2014, rising from 0.9 to 1.3 per 100,000. Deaths as a result of CM occur in the whole range of skin phototypes found in the South African population groups [10]. No statistics for deaths due to SCC and BCC are available.

4. Costs Due to Skin Cancer in South Africa

A study modelling the costs of diagnosing and treating skin cancer in South Africa estimated that ZAR 92.5 million (US$15.7 million) was spent in 2015 on treating CMs, SCCs and BCCs. On average, each confirmed case of CM cost ZAR 4197 (US$712), while each confirmed KC cost ZAR 2767 (US$470) [12]. Only direct medical figures were included in this analysis while peripheral figures associated with a diagnosis of skin cancer were not assessed, such as loss of income, administration of disability grants, insurance claims, transport and accommodation of patients from outside of major centres.

As there is a high incidence of KCs in South Africa, the expenditure on diagnosis and treatment is large even though these tumours have a low rate of major morbidity and mortality. It is important to note that thicker CM are associated with a significant cost escalation (ZAR 2931 (US$497) for lesions <1 mm thick, and ZAR 7149 (US$1213) for lesions >1 mm thick), providing an economic argument for screening at risk populations [12]. Most CMs in SA are diagnosed in the private sector [13]. Melanoma is considered by one of the largest private medical insurers to be amongst the top ten cancers by cost within the scheme, with an average cost per member of ZAR 60,926 (as at Jan–Dec 2017) [14]. A recent study predicted increases in KCs for the world population in the foreseeable future [15]. Given the associated costs, any increase in the incidence of skin cancers in South Africa due to climate change is likely to present a significant financial burden for both the private and public sectors.

5. Air Pollution and Skin Cancer

Poor air quality, and the resulting human exposure to air pollution, has been defined as the world’s single largest environmental health risk [16]. Poor air quality arises from various activities including veld fires, wind-blown dust, coal-fired power stations and vehicle emissions.

Recently, evidence suggests that, over and above the recognised negative effects that air pollution has on respiratory and cardiovascular health, it is also detrimental to skin integrity [17,18] due to direct exposure to airborne pollutants such as particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide [18].

PM and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons can cause skin cancer in animal models [19]. The pollutants may penetrate the skin through the exposed site or may be inhaled, thus becoming systemic through the respiratory tract. Four potential mechanisms that account for the harmful effects of air pollution on skin have been identified: generation of free radicals, induction of inflammatory cascade and disruption of skin barrier, activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, and alterations to skin microflora [19,20]. The presence of free radicals, in particular, increases the risk of skin cancer through mechanisms such as the promotion of oxidative stress and a proinflammatory environment in the skin and DNA damage [21,22]. In addition, ambient ozone’s unstable characteristics cause it to be highly reactive, directly targeting the skin’s surface, and oxidizing with molecules in the outermost layer of the epidermis (stratum corneum). This causes skin barrier alterations and dysfunction as well as oxidative stress and inflammation [21,22].

Air quality in South Africa, particularly in industrial and defined airshed priority areas (regional areas in South Africa where air pollution standards are being exceeded and which have been given priority by the government for air quality management) [23] is exceptionally poor, with national ambient air quality standards regularly being exceeded in the ambient, but also the indoor environment [24,25,26]. Given the reliance of the country on the combustion of fossil fuels for the generation of electricity, and the growing demand for power, the air pollution burden, which is in large part determined by industrial activities, is predicted to represent a serious human health risk well into the country’s future [27]. Increased migration into urban centres is also predicted to increase the incidence of the “indoor air pollution” phenomenon seen in many unelectrified low-income areas around South Africa’s big cities. Here, reliance on dirty fuels for heating and cooking activities is high, creating unsafe air to breathe inside people’s homes [28]. Exposure to particulate matter concentrations represents a real health burden in many parts of the country.

The increasing air pollution burden (for example, desertification leading to increases in wind-blown dust, and warmer, drier conditions leading to increased fires) together with the possible consequent cutaneous changes induced by airborne pollutants in the context of climate change are likely to contribute to an increase in the incidence of skin cancer.

6. Solar Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure, Temperature and Skin Cancer

Exposure to solar UVR is recognised as the major environmental risk factor for skin cancer [29]. Although the patterns of solar UVR exposure that increase cutaneous tumorigenesis remain unclear, it is likely that they differ between the three main types of skin cancer. For CM, a high dose of UVR at any time during life increases the risk, but particularly if it occurs during childhood and is associated with the development of naevi [30]. For SCC, which develops almost entirely on body sites that are frequently exposed to the sun, cumulative UVR exposure is key. For BCC, the interaction with UVR is more complex as many of these tumours are found on the trunk, a body site, which is not commonly sun exposed. This suggests that intermittent sun exposure, as could occur during recreational activities, may be important, in addition to early life and cumulative irradiation [31]. As indicated in the Introduction, there is the potential for excess personal sun exposure in South Africa due to its subtropical location, climate and topography.

Table 2. Characteristics of the four major cities in South Africa [32,33,34].

Characteristic		Cape Town	Durban	Johannesburg Including Soweto	Pretoria
2018 population size estimate (millions)		3.4	3.1	3.7	1.6
Latitude (°S)		34	29	26	26
Altitude (m)		0–300	0–21	1750	1340
Ultraviolet Index (average values at noon)	Summer	9–10	10–11	11+	11+
	Winter	2–3	3–4	4–6	4–6
Average day-time temperatures (°C)	Summer	26	29	26	30
	Winter	19	24	19	21
Average night-time temperatures (°C)	Summer	15	21	15	18
	Winter	8	11	4	5

shows the UVI and average day and night-time temperatures in the summer and winter in the four most populous cities.

The UV portion of the solar spectrum comprises about 5% of terrestrial sunlight. It is divided arbitrarily into three spectral regions defined as UVA (315–400 nm), UVB (280–315 nm) and UVC (100–280 nm), although alternative wavebands of UVA (320–400 nm), UVB (290–320 nm) and UVC (200–290 nm) are also used. The solar UV rays are modified as they pass through the atmosphere. Absorption by ozone and scattering by molecules such as N₂ and O₂ take place in the stratosphere, while absorption by pollutants and scattering by particulates and clouds occur in the troposphere. These interactions result in terrestrial UVR containing approximately 94% UVA and 6% UVB, with no UVC except at high altitude. The UVB component is more effective biologically than UVA at inducing changes in the skin which can lead to the induction of tumours and thus its relative concentration in sunlight is critical.

More than 40 years ago, it was discovered that the ozone layer in the stratosphere was thinning with holes appearing, mainly over the Poles, especially in Antarctica. This change resulted in a rise in the UVB component in terrestrial sunlight, with implications for increasing the risk of skin cancer. For example, if unchecked, it has been calculated that the UVI in the tropics would have risen to peaks greater than 35 and an increase in UV of 1% would correspond to an increase in the global incidence of skin cancer of 2–3% [35]. The Montreal Protocol, implemented in 1987, together with its amendments and adjustments, sought to reduce the concentration of ozone-depleting substances world-wide [36]. The success of this strategy is shown by the global (60 °N to 60 °S) column ozone no longer declining, with small increases of 0.3–1.2% per decade since 1997 reported [37] and signs of the Antarctic ozone hole recovery [38]. The gradual repair of the ozone layer will probably not be complete for another 50 years or so, although it may be delayed by climate changes that alter atmospheric circulation patterns, cloud cover and stratospheric temperatures [35].

Regarding the area of the world in which South Africa lies, close to zero changes in total ozone since the mid-1990s have been observed, with the average projected changes in UVI being 0–2% [39]. Thus, if this trend continues, there should not be any significant increase in the incidence of skin cancer due to ozone depletion alone in South Africa.

One important factor, which may alter the effect of solar UVR on the incidence of skin cancer is ambient temperature. The increase in temperatures in the last century has been estimated as 0.6°C world-wide and is projected to be between 0.9–3.5 °C for the present century, and between 0.75–6.3°C by 2200 [15]. As early as 1943 it was shown that mice exposed to chronic UVR developed 3% more skin tumours per °C rise in temperature above 23 °C [40]. This led van der Leun and de Gruijl [37] to suggest that global warming may be more relevant than ozone depletion to increasing skin cancer incidence in future years. By calculating the incidence of KC together with the ambient UV dose and average daily maximum temperature in the summer in ten regions of the USA, van der Leun and de Gruijl [37] indeed found that the incidence of SCC was 5.5% higher per °C and 2.9% higher per °C for BCC. They concluded that there was an increase in the effective UV dose by approximately 2% per °C. Further studies have indicated that a 2 °C increase in ambient temperature might increase the number of skin cancers by 10% annually [41]. The reasons for the higher temperature leading to a higher incidence of skin tumours is not clear but there is known to be a reduction in heat-mediated apoptosis induced by UVB in keratinocytes and in p53-mediated cell cycle arrest, leading to increased survival of DNA-damaged cells [42].

Currently warming trends (increasing maximum and minimum temperatures) are found in Africa with the ambient temperatures projected to rise faster than the global average increases [43]. Indeed, an increase of 4–6 °C is estimated for Southern Africa by 2071–2100. It is recognised that above a threshold of 27 °C, heat starts to impact adversely on health. Above 38 °C heat exhaustion can occur, and, above 40.6 °C, heat stroke is possible. Projections for Johannesburg indicate that, while there was an average of 35 days per year in 1961–1990 when the temperature exceeded 27°C, this will rise to 70 days in 2100–2040 and to 101–120 days in 2041–2070 [44]. What impacts this trend will have on the incidence of skin cancer are unknown. On the one hand, it could lead to a significant increase in the incidence of KCs and CMs due to the cutaneous interaction between UVB and temperature, more time being spent outdoors, wearing less protective clothing and possibly less cloud cover. Alternatively, adaptation to living at constant high temperatures is possible, although this might not happen quickly enough to halt the change in skin cancer risk. It should be noted that a protective effect of mild heat preconditioning (42 °C) has been demonstrated in mice by the stimulation of HSP70 chaperones, thus inhibiting cutaneous inflammation and wrinkle formation [45]. Whether such an effect due to increased ambient temperatures occurs in humans and if it might reduce the risk of skin cancer is unknown currently.

In addition, when the ambient temperature is above, say 30 °C, human behaviour is likely to alter with more time spent indoors, shade being sought and perhaps more effective building insulation with air conditioning for those who can afford it. For example, in Austria, the frequency of people being outdoors decreased at temperatures higher than 30 °C [46]. Another behavioural factor relates to trends in fashion. For the past few decades, it is widely believed by those with fair skin that having a tan is healthy, and relates to affluence and beauty; in contrast, those with pigmented skin frequently seek to avoid the sun to prevent skin darkening and ageing. Whether such societal behaviour will persist in the coming decades is unknown.

Whatever the circumstances might be, a time-lapse of approximately 60 years has been suggested between changes in ozone and ambient temperatures and any impact on the incidence of skin cancer due to the long lag period associated with cutaneous carcinogenesis [47].

7. Rainfall, Cloud Cover and Skin Cancer

Africa is particularly vulnerable to climate-induced impacts on rainfall as it is not only reliant on rain-fed agriculture but also through changes in cloud cover, which alter the quantity of solar UVR reaching the surface of the Earth [48,49,50]. Aerosols have a direct effect by scattering and absorbing incoming UVR and an indirect effect by acting as condensation nuclei for the formation of clouds [51]. Clouds generally reduce UV intensity although not so significantly as infrared intensity. However, it should be noted that patchy clouds can lead to an increase in ambient UVR by reflection from the clouds’ edges, and that thin, wispy clouds can redirect UV rays, thereby also increasing ambient UVR.

The rainfall regions of South Africa vary greatly due to the displacement of the Hadley cell as a result of the changes in solar insolation. The Hadley cell is a thermally-driven circulation and consists of rising air at the equator which is then transported to latitude 30° S and descends [52]. During summer, moisture from the Southwest Indian Ocean and Agulhas current is transported to South Africa with the easterly winds. During winter, dry air is transported from the South Atlantic Ocean through the westerly winds. The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) modulates the annual precipitation variability [53].

Over southern Africa, there has been no consistent trend in annual rainfall values although changes in the onset of seasonal rainfall, dry spell frequencies and rainfall intensities have occurred [54]. The rainfall predictions from climate models offer little consensus although a small decline in annual rainfall is possible with increased seasonal variability [53]. Any impact of these rainfall variations on cloud cover has not been assessed.

The potential impact of changes in rainfall on skin cancer includes the length of time spent outdoors. In places where the rainfall decreases, or where drought persists, people may spend more time than usual outdoors either for recreational purposes or, in the case of rural, low socio-economic areas, to collect water. Conversely, should rainfall increase with an increase in cloud cover, solar UVR exposure may decrease, depending on the nature of the cloud, thereby reducing skin cancer risk.

8. Adaptation Strategies

Sun protection can reduce the risk of skin cancer and mitigate the harmful effects of excess solar UVR exposure. The World Health Organization advises five key messages for sun protection against excess sun exposure [55]. First, to limit the time spent in the midday sun between 10 and 16 h. Secondly, to take note of the UV Index, an important resource that indicates the severity of solar UVR during the course of the day. Then, individuals are advised to use shade wisely and to remember the shadow rule: “Watch your shadow: short shadow, seek shade!”. The third and fourth messages are to wear protective clothing, such as a wide brim hat, sunglasses and tightly woven loose-fitting clothes, and to use sunscreen. The sunscreen should be broad-spectrum, have a Sun Protection Factor of at least 15+ and be re-applied every two hours, or after swimming, working, playing or exercising outdoors. Sun protection is advocated in high exposure settings such as at school playgrounds, sports facilities and the beach. Several of these messages prompting behavioural change regarding sun protection may be impacted upon by climate change, particularly an increase in ambient temperature. Studies have reported that people find it uncomfortable to wear clothing and sunscreen in hot weather [56]. Shade will be essential in hot weather. The shade should be effective at preventing exposure to both direct and diffuse solar UVR [57].

Agriculture is an important economic activity in South Africa and the health risks of farm workers due to chronic exposure to high solar UVR merit special consideration. Similarly, outdoor workers in construction and roadwork also require adequate protection from excess solar UVR exposure and heat [58]. Attention needs to be given to holding outdoor activities at times which avoid the sun at peak intensity; there should be sun protection programmes that target children and adolescents, and schools should develop sun protection policies, in addition to trying to ameliorate the deleterious effects of high ambient temperatures on human health.

9. Conclusions

An increase in the incidence of CM and KC in the population groups of South Africa has occurred in recent years, with cost implications relating to diagnosis and treatment. There are several ways in which climate change could affect the current incidence rates. These relate to shifts in meteorological variables, particularly air pollution, temperature, rainfall and cloud cover, all of which influence solar UVR levels at the Earth’s surface. Although more data are required, a rising air pollution burden is likely to lead to cutaneous damage, thus increasing the risk of skin cancer. Higher ambient temperatures have been associated with an increasing frequency of skin cancer due to changes in the tumourigenesis process and to more time spent outdoors.

National collection of accurate statistics regarding the trends in the incidence of skin cancer and mortality data are urgently required, including population group, age, sex and stage at diagnosis to consider skin cancer-related associated risk factors associated with climate change. It is also important to relate these to any alterations in the ozone layer, ambient temperature, air-borne pollution and rainfall together with any changes in personal sun exposure. This information will help to craft appropriate public health messages regarding reducing the risk of skin cancer in a changing climate. It will also help to raise awareness of potential health risks and to tailor sun protection messaging to the different population groups in South Africa.