The number of skin cancer cases in Ireland is set to double by 2040, the Irish Cancer Society has estimated.
Every year, some 13,000 Irish people are diagnosed with the disease and it is the most common type of cancer in the State.
Despite this, there is low level awareness about the risks of sunburn.
“Research through the Irish Cancer Society shows that people aren’t as aware of the risks of skin damage as we want them to be,” Irish Cancer Society Director of Advocacy Rachel Morrow said.
“We found last year that one in three people state that they’re not at all worried about sun burn in Ireland.
“So, regarding sun protection behaviours, the Irish Cancer Society really wants people to take those precautions in the sun and make sure that they stand the best chance of not being diagnosed with skin cancer in the future.”
A woman applies sun cream. Photo: Sina Schuldt/dpaThe cancer has urged the Government to take action and make Sun Protection Factors more affordable.
In the meantime, there are other ways people can reduce their risk of getting skin cancer.
“The Irish Cancer Society is urging people to take care in the sun and to try and reduce that figure of 13,000 people,” Ms Morrow said.
“You can do that by taking some precautions - such as wearing clothing that covers your skin, applying sunscreen, wearing a wide brimmed hat, seeking shade between 11 and 3pm and wearing sunglasses as well.”
According to the HSE, the most common symptom is the appearance of a new mole or a change to an existing one.
Most moles are harmless but you should contact your GP just in case.
Main image: A woman applies sun cream to her daughter's burnt back. Picture by: Alamy.com
