Heading to Croke Park this weekend? HSE Dublin and North East urges supporters to be SunSmart and protect their skin

HSE Dublin and North East region is urging everyone heading to Croke Park this weekend for the Louth v Mayo and Dublin v Kerry All-Ireland semi-finals, as well as those attending other outdoor events across the region, to be SunSmart and make sun safety a priority.

With continued warm and sunny weather forecast by Met Éireann for this weekend, the HSE National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), in collaboration with Healthy Ireland and cross-sectoral partners, are reminding people holidaying in Ireland and those travelling abroad to make sun safety a priority, and to be SunSmart.

Whether you're enjoying a staycation, attending a sporting event, going to concerts, exploring the countryside, going sea swimming, heading to the beach, or travelling overseas for a summer break, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can damage your skin and increase your risk of skin cancer.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland, with more than 11,000 cases diagnosed each year. The good news is that most skin cancers can be prevented by adopting simple sun protection behaviours.

People often associate skin damage with very hot weather, but harmful UV rays can reach your skin even on cooler days. UV levels can also be significantly higher in popular holiday destinations abroad, increasing the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.

Professor Fergal J. Moloney, Consultant Dermatologist, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Clinical Professor, University College Dublin, School of Medicine, said: “With supporters from around the region heading to GAA fixtures and people attending concerts, festivals and outdoor events this weekend, many will be spending long periods in the car and outside enjoying the good weather. It is easy to lose track of time when you are focused on a match, watching a performance or spending time with family and friends. It can take less than 10 minutes of sun exposure without sun protection for skin to start to burn which in turn predisposes to future skin cancers.

Commonly missed areas include the ears, neck, scalp and shoulders. We are encouraging people to wear a hat, sunglasses, cover up and seek out shade when outdoors. Applying a high factor sunscreen to themselves and their children before they head out and during the day can help prevent a day ruined by a painful sunburn and reduce the risk of skin ageing and skin cancer.”

The UV Index is the best way to know when you need to protect your skin. When the UV Index is 3 or above, everyone should take steps to protect their skin and eyes by following the Healthy Ireland SunSmart 5 S's.

Follow the Healthy Ireland SunSmart 5 S's to protect your skin and eyes when the UV Index is 3 or above:

• Slip on clothing: Cover skin as much as possible. Wear long sleeves, collared shirts and closely woven fabrics that block sunlight.
• Slop on broad-spectrum sunscreen: Use SPF 30+ for adults and SPF 50+ for children. Choose a sunscreen with UVA protection and water resistance. Reapply regularly, especially after swimming or sweating.
• Slap on a wide-brimmed hat: Protect your face, ears and neck.
• Seek shade: Particularly between 11am and 3pm when UV radiation is strongest.
• Slide on sunglasses: Wear sunglasses that provide UV protection.

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