According to the Irish Cancer Society, 9 out of 10 cases of skin cancer in Ireland can be prevented.
This information is particularly startling when you consider that a new report from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI) shows that the largest increase in non-melanoma skin cancer across all age groups from 1994 to 2011 was among young people.
So, with the help from the experts at NCS, here are some expert tips to stay safe.
Stay covered
When in Ireland, sunscreen from April to September is definitely a good idea. But remember, using sunscreen alone will not give enough protection against UV rays.
It is important to use shade, clothes and sunglasses too. In this way you get the best possible protection from UV damage.
Sunburn
Getting painful sunburn, just once every 2 years, can actually triple your risk of melanoma skin cancer.
Sunburn doesn’t have to be raw, peeling or blistering. Even if your skin has just gone pink or red in the sun, it’s sunburnt.
Sunburn is caused by UV from the sun. You can’t feel UV rays – the heat from the sun comes from infrared rays, which can’t burn you. This is why people can still burn on cool days.
While the sunburn or the tan may fade, the damage remains and this can lead to skin cancer.
So remember, don’t get sunburnt.
Check the UV index
Before stepping out into the sun, take a look at the UV index. It’s a handy way to reduce-your-risk.
If the UV Index is 3 or more it is important to take extra care.
Avoid sunbeds
They are not a safe way to get a tan. Sunbeds expose your skin to large amounts of UV rays that age your skin and increase your risk of skin cancer.
According to the World Health Organisation, using a sunbed before the age of 35 increases your risk by almost sixty percent.
Skin Type
Did you know, there are actually six different skin types?
Most Irish people have fair skin which means their skin burns and doesn’t tan, or else it burns before it tans.
Knowing your own skin type will help you to protect your skin from the sun and not get sunburned. Click here to take this very simple skin type quiz to help figure out your skin type.
That way, you can decide the best way to protect yourself during the summer.
In conclusion
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland but it is also one of the most preventable cancers. Avoid too much sun and make sure you are SunSmart by:
- Seeking shade between 11 am and 3 pm.
- Avoid sunbeds
- Covering up by wearing a T-Shirt with a collar and sleeves and a sun hat.
- Wearing wraparound sunglasses with UV protection.
- Wearing sunscreen with SPF 30+
Brought to you by the Irish Cancer Society. For more information visit the Irish Cancer Society website.
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