Be SunSmart as we look forward to sunny weather this weekend

With sunny weather forecast for this weekend, many of us will be spending more time outdoors. The HSE National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), in collaboration with Healthy Ireland and cross-sectoral partners, is reminding everyone to protect themselves from the damaging effects of exposure to UV radiation from the sun, and to ensure SunSmart is part of your daily routine.

If you are out and about playing sport, at the beach or simply relaxing in your garden, don’t forget to be SunSmart. Most people living in Ireland have fair skin which burns easily and tans poorly so are at high risk of UV damage and skin cancer. With over 11,000 cases each year, skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland, yet most skin cancers can be prevented.

Enjoying the sun safely means understanding the UV Index, wearing protective clothing, seeking shade during the middle of the day and using sunscreen on exposed skin. The UV index is a good indicator of when the sun is most dangerous. It measures the strength of the sun’s UV rays so that you know how and when to protect your skin when outdoors. When the UV index is 3 or above, you need to protect your skin and eyes and follow the Healthy Ireland SunSmart 5 S’s.

Linda Hughes, Meteorologist at Met Éireann says:

“With temperatures set to be in the mid 20’s and the UV index high over the weekend it is important to protect your skin and eyes by following the Healthy Ireland SunSmart 5 S’s. The higher the UV index, the higher the risk of skin and eye damage. Be prepared and plan ahead by checking the UV forecast on Met Éireann’s website at met.ie/uv-index”.

Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy says:

“Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland with around 11,000 new cases per year. Young people in particular need be extra vigilant when out and about this summer as one can be 2-4 times more likely to develop melanoma in later life if severely sunburned three or more instances before the age of 20. Reducing rates of skin cancer is a significant part of our drive to improve overall population health, and this starts by instilling good skin protection behaviours among our children and youth.”

Follow the Healthy Ireland SunSmart 5S’s to make sure you are prepared and protected:

• 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.
• Slop on broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen: Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30+ for adults and 50+ for children, with 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: Sit in the cover of trees to avoid direct sunlight, especially between 11am and 3pm. Use a sunshade on your buggy or pram. Keep babies and children out of direct sunlight.
• Slide on sunglasses: Guard your eyes against harm by wearing sunglasses with UV protection.

And remember do not deliberately try to get a suntan. Avoid getting a sunburn. Never use a sunbed.

Dr Shirley Potter, Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, St James’s Hospital, says:

“UV radiation cannot be seen or felt so you need to defend yourself against overexposure. Overexposure to UV radiation from the sun can damage DNA in your skin cells and cause skin cancer. So, if you’re planning on being out in the sun this summer, we are encouraging everyone to take action to enjoy the sun safely by following the simple Healthy Ireland SunSmart 5 S’s - slip, slop, slap, seek, and slide”.

Prepare a SunSmart kit

Have a bag at home near the door ready to protect you skin before you head out in the sun. Include the following items:

• Clothing that covers your skin
• A wide-brimmed hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen of at least 30+ SPF for adults and 50+ SPF for children