Search icon

News

23rd Aug 2019

HSE warns people to enjoy the sun safely this weekend

Alan Loughnane

hse sun warning

Over 11,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer in Ireland each year.

The HSE have urged the public to be mindful when out in the sun this weekend as temperatures are expected to reach 25 degrees.

With the high temperatures and sunshine, the HSE advised people to protect themselves from UV rays and not to over-expose themselves to the sun.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the main risk factor responsible for skin cancers and it’s emitted naturally from the sun and artificially from sunbeds.

An easy thing you can do every day is check if the UV Index in Ireland is low, moderate, high, very high, or extreme and to note that the peak burn times in Ireland are between 11am and 2pm.

“We all enjoy the sun and want to make the most of it before the end of the summer,” said Prof Anne Marie Tobin, Consultant Dermatologist Tallaght University Hospital.

“But the fact remains that skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Ireland. Over 11,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer in Ireland each year. This figure is expected to over double by 2045.

“Thankfully, most skin cancers are preventable by protecting your skin from UV radiation. So our advice is to enjoy the good weather, but take the necessary precautions for you and your family and avoid over-exposure.”

The National Cancer Control Programme has told people to remember to slip, slap, slop and wrap:

  • Slip on a loose long sleeved t-shirt
  • Slap on a wide-brimmed hat that covers the back of the neck as well
  • Slop on sunscreen generously and regularly (SPF 15 or higher and at least SPF 30 for children)
  • Wrap on sunglasses