Irish Cancer Society : The national charity for cancer care

Skin Cancer

What you should know about Bodywork...

evil sun Sun Sense

The sun damages your bodywork by its Ultraviolet Radiation (UV). There are two types of UV radiation.

UVA radiation causes early ageing and skin cancer.
UVB radiation causes burning and skin cancer.

Tanning is a sign that damaged skin is trying to protect itself from the sun's ultraviolet rays.

Skin cancer

Follow the SunSmart Code Seek shade.

Slip on a t-shirt and long shorts made from closely woven fabric.

Slap on a hat (that covers ears, neck and nose!)

Slop on sunscreen 15+ every 2 hours and after swimming.

Wrap on sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Avoid being in the sun 11am-3pm – that’s when it is strongest.

There are two types of skin cancer. Non-melanoma is the most common form of skin cancer. Watch out for:

a new growth or sore that does not heal within four weeks;
a spot or sore that continues to itch, hurt, crust, scab or bleed;
constant skin ulcers that are not explained by other causes.

Malignant Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. Although it is relatively rare, it is on the increase. It most often appears as a changing mole or freckle. Watch out for:

Size: bigger than the butt end of a pencil (more than 6mm diameter);
Colour variety: shades of tan, brown black and sometimes red, blue or white;
Shape: ragged or scalloped edge and one half unlike the other;
Itchiness;
Bleeding.

NOT A LOT OF PEOPLE KNOW THIS

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland, and not just in women.

Your lifetime risk as a man of developing skin cancer is one in eight.

Even cloudy days can deliver 90% of the dangerous UV rays.

Some football shirts are
so thin they let almost all the sun shine through.

Skin damage remains after your sunburn fades. It builds up under the skin just like rust under bodywork paint
and it can come back to haunt you in later years.

Virtually all the risk comes from the sun and sun-beds... so cover up and close up!

Look at your moles and watch out for changes in them. Many skin changes
will be harmless. But if you notice anything unusual, you should visit your doctor. The good news is: early diagnosis is likely to lead to recovery.

Sunscreens and smokescreens

People get confused over sunscreens and can damage their skin by choosing the wrong sunscreen for them or not using enough. Read your sunscreen label and make sure it has both an SPF and a star rating.

The SPF or Sun Protection Factor tells you how much protection you are getting from UVB rays. The star rating shows the level of protection against UVA rays. Try to buy a sunscreen that is at least SPF 15+ and has a 4 star rating. Remember! Wearing sunscreen does not mean that you can stay out in the sun longer than recommended. Sunscreen offers some protection, but use it with cover-up clothing. click here for more info

Last Updated: Mon Jan 4 2010