Reminder to be SunSmart when enjoying the good weather this weekend

With sunny weather and high temperatures forecast for the next few days, many of us will be spending more time outdoors, playing sports and heading to concerts. The HSE National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) and Healthy Ireland are reminding everyone of the importance of being SunSmart to protect their skin from the damaging effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays to help reduce the risk of skin cancer.

With over 160,000 fans expected to attend the sold-out Oasis reunion concerts at Croke Park this Saturday and Sunday, concert goers are urged to follow SunSmart advice and enjoy music safely in the sun. Don’t forget your sunscreen, shades and a bucket hat ….. and then you’re good to ‘Roll With It’!

Dr Blaithin Moriarty, Consultant Dermatologist at St Vincent’s University Hospital says: “Playing and spending time outdoors is good for us all but it is important to enjoy the sun safely and protect skin when outside. By protecting your skin when you are outdoors, you can reduce your risk of developing skin cancer. It is also not enough to use these protection measures on sunny days alone. Even on cool or cloudy days, UV rays from the sun can still reach our skin and cause damage without us realising it.”

Dr Triona McCarthy, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at the HSE’s NCCP added: “Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ireland with over 11,000 cases diagnosed annually. The number of people being diagnosed with skin cancer in Ireland is rising rapidly, with the number of cases expected to double by 2045. The SunSmart campaign outlines the steps you, your family, friends and colleagues can take to protect your skin from the sun and reduce your risk of skin cancer.”

Healthy Ireland SunSmart 5 S’s

Follow the Healthy Ireland SunSmart 5 S’s to protect your skin:

1. Slip on clothing that covers your skin such as long sleeves, collared t-shirts.
2. Slop on sunscreen on sun-exposed areas using SPF minimum 30+ for adults and 50+ for children which has high UVA protection and is water-resistant. Re-apply regularly. Sunscreen cannot provide 100% protection, it should be used alongside other protective measures such as clothing and shade.
3. Slap on a wide-brimmed hat.
4. Seek shade such as sitting 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.
5. Slide on sunglasses with UV protection to protect your eyes.

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

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