As we head into the summer holidays, the Irish Skin Foundation (ISF), the HSE National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), and the National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI) are reminding everyone, but especially parents, of the importance of protecting skin from overexposure to the Sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, to reduce their risk of melanoma skin cancer*. Playing and spending time outdoors is good for us all but it is important to enjoy the sun safely and protect skin when outside.
- Related: Reduce your Risk of Melanoma Skin Cancer (Holidaying at home or abroad)
- Related: Protect & Inspect™ against Melanoma Skin Cancer Leaflet
- Related: The Irish Times: ‘We all want to enjoy time in the sun, but it’s important to be careful,’ says mother of woman (33) who died of melanoma.
The ISF, in collaboration with the NCCP and NCRI, have launched an updated ‘Reduce your risk of Melanoma Skin Cancer (Holidaying at home or abroad)’ Poster, targeting the sun-loving public but with a particular focus on those who intend to spend time holidaying in the sun, whether at home or abroad.
The main aim of the campaign is to raise awareness of the link between personal susceptibility (i.e. skin type), lifestyle behaviours (i.e. sunny holidays frequently associated with sunburn) and the pattern and timing of UV exposure (i.e. occasional, intense sun exposure and sunburn increases melanoma risk, particularly during childhood). The launch coincides with the end of the school year and the gearing up for the traditional family holiday season.
The infographic was first published in 2017 to illustrate the steep rise in incidence of melanoma skin cancer, the risks associated with intermittent, intense UV exposure and sunburn, and how to reduce your risk. It was updated in 2019, and again in 2024 to highlight the upward trend in melanoma incidence and reinforce the SunSmart messaging in the National Skin Cancer Prevention Plans 2019-2022 and 2023-2026.
Front row L-R: Clara Burns (6yrs); Millie O Malley (10yrs); Lucy O Malley (9yrs); and Alice O Malley (6yrs)
Read the full press release ‘Wherever your holidays take you this year, reduce your risk of melanoma skin cancer’ published on the HSE website.
Download the ‘Reduce your risk of Melanoma Skin Cancer (Holidaying at home or abroad)’ Poster.
*Skin cancer is the abnormal, uncontrolled growth of skin cells. Of the different types of skin cancer, melanoma is not the most common but raises the greatest concern as if not detected early, it can spread to other parts of the body where it becomes difficult to treat and can be fatal. Early identification and removal of a melanoma gives the best opportunity for cure.
We want everyone in Ireland to learn to Protect & Inspect their skin! To learn more visit our information booklets page to download our ‘Protect & Inspect’ resources and our ‘Everyone Under the Sun’ booklet.
