Be SunSmart this summer whether at home or abroad to reduce your skin cancer risk

With the sunny weather forecast in the coming days, the HSE National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) and Healthy Ireland are reminding you that sun safety is not just for when you're going abroad. The sun can be strong enough to cause sun damage from the start of April to the end of September in Ireland. Whether you’re heading to the beach, grabbing a coffee or simply relaxing in the garden, it is important to use sun protection each day between April to September, even on cloudy days.

Minister of State for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O'Connor says; “Being active outdoors is good for our health and wellbeing, but everyone needs to be aware that exposure to the sun can be very harmful if we’re not appropriately protected. I am encouraging everyone to take action to enjoy the sun safely and reduce their risk of skin cancer. It’s very simple, just follow the five Healthy Ireland SunSmart steps whether you’re at home or abroad. Your skin will thank you for it.”

To reduce skin cancer risk, it is important to protect your skin when outside, especially from April to September when UV rays from the sun are strongest. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ireland, with over 11,000 cases annually. Yet in most cases, skin cancers could be prevented.

Data from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI) show that over 1,200 cases of melanoma, which is the most serious form of skin cancer, are diagnosed in Ireland every year. This figure is projected to rise to over 3,000 cases per year by 2045.

Dr Breeda Neville, Specialist in Public Health Medicine at the HSE’s NCCP says; “Melanoma skin cancer is strongly linked to intermittent, high-intensity UV radiation exposure which can occur during outdoor recreational activities like sunbathing or water sports, or if you use a sunbed. The more time you spend unprotected in the sun, the more UV damage your skin is exposed to which increases your risk of skin cancer, including the deadliest form – melanoma. Follow the SunSmart 5 S’s whether at home or abroad this summer.”

SunSmart 5 S’s

Almost nine in 10 cases of skin cancer could be prevented by following the Healthy Ireland SunSmart 5 S’s to protect your skin:

• Slip on clothing that covers your skin such as, long sleeves, collared t-shirts.
• Slop on sunscreen: Use sunscreen with SPF 30+ for adults and 50+ for children which provides high UVA protection and is water-resistant. Reapply regularly.
• Slap on a wide brimmed hat.
• Seek shade – Sit in the cover of trees to avoid direct sunlight. Use a sunshade on your buggy or pram. Keep babies and children out of direct sunlight.
• Slide on wraparound sunglasses.

As well as the 5 S’s it is important to remember do not deliberately try to get a suntan. Avoid getting a sunburn. Never use a sunbed.

Jacinta O’Brien, patient advocate for the 2025 SunSmart campaign is raising awareness of the importance of skin protection. “I was diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer when I was 38. I've had 3 surgeries, targeted treatment, immunotherapy and radiotherapy. While I feel that I was quite safe with the sun obviously being fair skinned, I do know that in my early 20s I was at many concerts and festivals and days out where I probably wasn't as good as I should be in applying sunscreen. When you're younger you think you're invincible and you don't think it's ever going to be you. You don't need to have prolonged exposure to the sun to get skin cancer. It's so important to sit in the shade where possible, cover up with clothing and apply sunscreen on exposed skin to protect yourself even when you do think it may be overcast.”

For more information and to learn how to protect yourself and your family this summer visit the SunSmart hub and check out #SunSmart on social media.