Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Ireland, with around 13,000 new cases every year. Very worryingly, this number is projected to double by 2045. However, skin cancer is also one of the most preventable.
Skin cancer occurs when skin cells become abnormal and 9 out of every 10 skin cancers are caused by UV light radiation from the sun, or from sunbeds.
There are two main groups of skin cancer:
Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSKs )
These are the most common types of skin cancer and include basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. They tend to grow in areas of the body that have been exposed to the sun and are more common in older people.
It’s estimated that an average of 12,000 non-melanoma skin cancers were diagnosed in Ireland during 2018-2020.
Melanoma skin cancer
Melanoma is quite rare but greater numbers of people are being diagnosed with it each year. It is also a disease that affects young people. It’s estimated that on average 1,100 melanoma skin cancers were diagnosed in Ireland during 2018-2020.
Melanoma is one of the most serious forms of skin cancer but if spotted early, it is very treatable. If not, it can spread to other parts of the body and can ultimately be fatal, with over 160 deaths per year attributable to this disease.
However, the majority of cases can be prevented by protecting yourself from UV light appropriately.
There are also risk factors to developing skin cancer that people should be aware of. They are;
The National Skin Cancer Prevention Plan 2023-2026, which I recently launched, outlines how we can support individuals to reduce their risk of skin cancer. This is a great opportunity to harness the power of workplaces, community groups, recreational groups, healthcare professionals and others to make SunSmart behaviours the norm throughout the country.
Early detection is also vital. If spotted early up to 90% of cases are curable. In the case of melanoma skin cancer spotting it early can save your life. For this reason it is important to get to know your skin, check it every month for changes and speak to your doctor if you are worried.
The first national Skin Cancer Prevention Plan 2019-2022 was a landmark commitment which arose from the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026. It focused on reducing risk across the population, by embracing the Healthy Ireland approach of collaboration and partnership. This Skin Cancer Prevention Plan 2023-2026 will continue to raise awareness of the actions we can all take to reduce risk.
Prevention.
In line with the scientific evidence and international best practice, the key skin cancer prevention behaviours recommended for the Irish population and defined in skin cancer prevention plan are:
Know the UV index: When the UV index is 3 or above you need to protect your skin. In Ireland, the UV index is usually 3 or above from April to September, even when it is cloudy. Stay safe by limiting time in the sun when UV is strongest, typically between the hours of 11:00am-3:00pm
Slip on clothing: Cover skin as much as possible, wear long sleeves, collared t-shirts, clothes made from close-woven material that does not allow sunlight through.
Apply broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB ) sunscreen. Apply sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30+ for adults and 50+ for children that has a high UVA protection, and is water resistant. Reapply regularly. No sunscreen can provide 100% protection, it should be used alongside other protective measures such as clothing and shade
Slap on a wide brimmed hat: Protect your face, ears and neck
Seek shade: Use a sunshade on your buggy or pram, sit in cover of trees to avoid direct sunlight.
Keep babies and children out of direct sunlight
Slide on sunglasses: Guard your eyes from harm wearing sunglasses with UV protection
Do not deliberately try to get a suntan
Avoid getting a sunburn
Never use a sunbed
While sun protective behaviours have improved, with an increase in people limiting time spent in the sun (31% in01956 to 40% in 2022 ), our rates of skin cancer are growing rapidly, and we need to act to prevent further serious illness and death.
I am appealing to everyone as we enter April, when the UV index starts to get above 3, to project themselves and their children from avoidable harm. Cover up, apply sunscreen and enjoy the summer!
