Irish Cancer Society urges the public to be SunSmart as almost 12,000 cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year

At the launch of its annual SunSmart campaign, the Irish Cancer Society is encouraging the public to take measures to protect their skin, even on cloudy days. Between 2005 and 2015 there was a 70% increase in the incidence of skin cancer (melanoma and non-melanoma) in Ireland with 11,785 cases diagnosed in 2015.

Kevin O’Hagan, Cancer Prevention Manager with the Irish Cancer Society said, “Despite our cool and cloudy weather UV rays can reach our skin most days from April to September and cause damage that increases the risk of skin cancer. If the sun isn’t splitting the stones, many people seem to think that UV rays are not something we need to worry about but that is not true.

“You don’t have to be in a Mediterranean country for the sun to do damage to your skin and Irish people need to be aware of that. Whether it’s sunny or cloudy, everyone should protect their skin this summer and follow the Irish Cancer Society’s SunSmart Code. It is vital that people take pre-cautions to reduce their risk of sun damage and check their skin regularly for changes.”

The SunSmart Code:

Seek shade when UV rays are at their strongest – generally between 11am and 3pm.

Cover up by wearing a shirt with a collar and long shorts. Also wear a hat that gives shade to your face, neck and ears.

Wear wraparound sunglasses and make sure they give UV protection.

Slop on sunscreen. Use sunscreen SPF minimum 30 or higher and UVA protection 20 minutes before going outside and re-apply every two hours – more often if swimming or perspiring.

Check your local UV index.

Keep babies under six months out of the sun.

For more information on skin cancer or how to be SunSmart, visit www.cancer.ie/Sunsmart.