As the days get longer, the good weather of spring and summer is beginning to peak around the corner, and we’ll all be out enjoying the sunshine with friends and family in no time.
But leading experts are encouraging people to stay safe in the sun and be UV aware.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Northern Ireland, so it is important to protect your skin. Around 4,149 people develop skin cancer each year, accounting for 31% of all cancers diagnosed here with 4 out of 5 cases caused by overexposure to UV rays.
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As skin cancer can develop in any skin type, it really is an issue for everyone and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland really want to raise awareness of the need to protect your skin.
As part of Sun Awareness Week, which begins this Monday, Cancer Focus NI and the Public Health Agency are highlighting some of the most common myths around sunscreen and tanning to ensure you can be better informed to take all the action required to protect your skin from damage.
Even here in Northern Ireland, it’s crucial that we keep ourselves protected from the sun at all times, according to Doreen Regan, Skin Cancer Coordinator at Cancer Focus NI.
She told Belfast Live that the number of skin cancers being detected here is linked to a number of factors.
"It's down to an ageing population, more frequent travel abroad and our skin type, which is more prone to damage," Doreen explained.
"Most of us here in Northern Ireland would fall into the very pale skin categories. Many people don't realise that your skin doesn't need to burn for the damage to be done."
She added: "You can develop skin cancer at any age but we do see higher incidences in the older age groups but that doesn't mean younger people won't be impacted also.
"Around 90% of skin cancers are caused by overexposure to UV radiation from either the sun and/or sunbeds. It's never too late to start protecting your skin in the sun.
"Now is the time before the good weather kicks in to get a good routine in place to keep your skin looking good."
Doreen has also shared her top tips for staying safe in the sun and debunks some common myths about UV rays and skin protection:
Myth 1: We don’t need to use sunscreen in Northern Ireland
Many people think if the sun is not splitting the trees sun protection isn’t required. This is not true. Even on cool or cloudy days in Northern Ireland we need to protect our skin against UV rays that filter through the clouds.
Myth 2: You only need to worry about skin damage if you get severe sunburn
This is false. UV damage can start before your skin tans or burns. The UV index tells us how much UV radiation is reaching us from the sun and when the index is at 3 or more, we need to protect our skin and eyes.
Myth 3: The sun in Northern Ireland is not strong enough to damage your skin
This is not true. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Northern Ireland and 4 out of 5 cases are due to overexposure to UV rays. Between March and October, UV rays from the sun can be strong enough to damage your skin even when it is cool or cloudy.
Myth 4: My skin doesn’t burn so I don’t need to worry about sun safety
All skin needs protection. Anyone can develop skin cancer, whatever their skin type. If you work outside or spend a lot of time outdoors, you might think your skin is tougher and doesn’t need protection, but UV damage can still occur.
Myth 5: Having tanned skin looks healthy
Having tanned skin shows that your skin has been damaged in the short term. The longer-term effects of UV damage, whether or not you get sunburn, can be premature ageing of the skin, deeper wrinkles, uneven skin pigmentation, age spots, sun spots and an increased risk of skin cancer.
Myth 6: Sunbeds are a good way to get a base tan this summer
A tan from a sunbed or from the sun is a sign that the skin has been damaged by UV rays and is not a sign of good health. Tanning without a sunburn can still cause premature skin ageing and increase the risk of skin cancer through irreparable DNA damage.
Each time skin is exposed to UV rays from the sun or from a sunbed, the risk of developing skin cancer is increased.
Myth 7: Sunscreen is water resistant and should be applied only once a day
Despite what the packaging states, sunscreen should be applied every two hours, or more frequently if sweating, towelling, or in water. At least six full teaspoonfuls of sunscreen lotion are needed for an all over body application for an average adult.
Before going out into the sun, remember:
- Choose a sunscreen with an SPF 15 or more to protect against UVB, and 4 or 5 stars to protect against UVA.
- Ensure you apply plenty of sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours after that and straight after swimming, sweating or towel drying.
- Protect your skin with clothing, like a long-sleeved top to protect your arms, and don’t forget to wear a hat that protects your face, neck, and ears.
- Wear 100% UV protection sunglasses to protect your eyes and make sure you spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm when the UV rays are at their strongest.
- Always keep babies and young children out of direct sunlight.
- Don’t forget to protect the most common missed spots of suncream which are eyelids, back of knees, ears, tops of feet, sides of face, hands, scalp, and lips.
For more information regarding looking after your skin in the sun visit www.careinthesun.org.
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