+353 (0)1 206 4219
Skin cancer and the dangers of UV rays are often associated with hot climates and holidays. Here in Ireland, there can be a tendency to overlook the danger of sun damage that can occur day-to-day as we don’t have a very warm or sunny climate. However, there is a worrying trend that is of particular concern to many Irish people, especially younger groups.
The Irish Cancer society has indicated that young people and city dwellers are the groups most at risk from skin cancers.
According to the charity, official records from 1994 to 2011 on non-melanoma skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma across all age groups showed that young people were most in danger of developing the diseases here. Also, despite the fact that in many cases skin cancer is preventable, it is becoming more common in Ireland.
Why is this? Well, there are a number of factors. Firstly, as I have mentioned above, people often think of sun protection as only necessary while away on holidays or in hot climates. Exposure to UV rays is the main cause of skin cancer and we are exposed to the sun’s rays all year round.
Even on overcast days, UV can penetrate cloud and this daily exposure, over time, can cause problems.
Secondly, and on a similar topic, we often equate sun exposure with being outdoors a lot of the time. Living in a city, it may not even register with us that we are exposed to UV rays.
Also, information from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland (www.ncri.ie) indicates that people living in high-income urban areas are more at risk of developing skin cancer than people living in rural areas. The belief is that this may be down to lifestyle factors, with city dwellers possibly spending more time playing sports outdoors, going on holidays, using sunbeds, etc.
This means they are irregularly exposed to high levels of UV. This contrasts with those living in rural areas, who tend to have regular exposure to lower levels of UV and, statistically, are less likely to go abroad or use sunbeds (I have discussed the dangers of UV rays and using sunbeds in a previous blog here.)
These statistics are a reminder that it is essential to stay sun aware, or sun smart, throughout the year.
Adopt SPF as part of your regular skincare regime. For minimal daily exposure – e.g. going from the car to the office, SPF15 should suffice. If you are outdoors for more time, SPF30 is advisable and should cover all exposed areas.
When the weather is sunny, seek shady areas when the sun is at its strongest (between 11am and 3pm) and throughout the year, make sure to check your skin and any moles regularly for changes or irregularities. If you spot anything unusual, consult your GP.
If you are concerned about your skin or that of a loved one, arrange a consultation with me at my clinic, and download the guide to sun protection and proper sunscreen use:
Download Mr Chan's Guide to Proper Sunscreen Use
Skin cancer and the dangers of UV rays are often associated with hot climates and holidays. Here in Ireland, there can be a tendency to overlook the danger of sun damage that can occur day-to-day as we don’t have a very warm or sunny climate. However, there is a worrying trend that is of particular concern to many Irish people, especially younger groups.
The Irish Cancer society has indicated that young people and city dwellers are the groups most at risk from skin cancers.
According to the charity, official records from 1994 to 2011 on non-melanoma skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma across all age groups showed that young people were most in danger of developing the diseases here. Also, despite the fact that in many cases skin cancer is preventable, it is becoming more common in Ireland.
Why is this? Well, there are a number of factors. Firstly, as I have mentioned above, people often think of sun protection as only necessary while away on holidays or in hot climates. Exposure to UV rays is the main cause of skin cancer and we are exposed to the sun’s rays all year round.
Even on overcast days, UV can penetrate cloud and this daily exposure, over time, can cause problems.
Secondly, and on a similar topic, we often equate sun exposure with being outdoors a lot of the time. Living in a city, it may not even register with us that we are exposed to UV rays.
Also, information from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland (www.ncri.ie) indicates that people living in high-income urban areas are more at risk of developing skin cancer than people living in rural areas. The belief is that this may be down to lifestyle factors, with city dwellers possibly spending more time playing sports outdoors, going on holidays, using sunbeds, etc.
This means they are irregularly exposed to high levels of UV. This contrasts with those living in rural areas, who tend to have regular exposure to lower levels of UV and, statistically, are less likely to go abroad or use sunbeds (I have discussed the dangers of UV rays and using sunbeds in a previous blog here.)
These statistics are a reminder that it is essential to stay sun aware, or sun smart, throughout the year.
Adopt SPF as part of your regular skincare regime. For minimal daily exposure – e.g. going from the car to the office, SPF15 should suffice. If you are outdoors for more time, SPF30 is advisable and should cover all exposed areas.
When the weather is sunny, seek shady areas when the sun is at its strongest (between 11am and 3pm) and throughout the year, make sure to check your skin and any moles regularly for changes or irregularities. If you spot anything unusual, consult your GP.
If you are concerned about your skin or that of a loved one, arrange a consultation with me at my clinic, and download the guide to sun protection and proper sunscreen use:
Download Mr Chan's Guide to Proper Sunscreen Use
