Minister Hildegarde Naughton launches National Skin Cancer Prevention Plan 2023-2026
On 22 March 2023, Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Hildegarde Naughton, launched the National Skin Cancer Prevention Plan 2023-2026, in the Department of Health1. Rising incidence of skin cancer Skin cancer* is the most common cancer in Ireland. According to the National Cancer Registry, annual average incidence during 2018-2020 was […]
Sun Protection for Organ Transplant Recipients
It is important that we remember that the levels of Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun start rising in Ireland from April, and protection from the damaging effects of UV is very important. Many people have the idea that the Irish sun does not cause skin cancer; that it is the hot sun in Spain […]
Confused about the UV Index?
First published June 2017; updated June 2021 What is solar ultraviolet radiation? Ultraviolet radiation (UV) is a component of sunlight. The two types of UV that we need to be concerned about are UVA and UVB. What is the UV index? The UV index is a scale that was developed by the World Health Organisation […]
When are UV rays at their strongest?
First published June 2017; updated May 2020 What is Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation? UV radiation in sunlight damages our skin. UV radiation cannot be seen or felt (infrared radiation causes heat, not UV). It can damage skin on cool, cloudy days and hot sunny days! UV radiation comes directly from the sun and is influenced by […]
Seasonal UV Changes and Protecting Our Skin
Knowing a little bit about Earth’s relationship with the Sun allows us to understand how the intensity of the Sun’s rays can change during the year, and the importance of protecting our skin. What causes the change in seasons? Earth revolves around the Sun, taking a year to complete one orbit. But as it does […]
Video – Dispelling Sun Protection Myths & Misconceptions
With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, our movements have been restricted and 2020 has become the year of the balcony, back garden and staycation for many of us. While spending time outdoors is important for our own and our family’s physical and mental well-being, it is equally important to enjoy the sun safely and […]
New Report Documents Sunburn, SunSmart Behaviours and Sunbed Use by Children in Ireland for the First Time
A new report titled, Children’s exposure to ultraviolet radiation – a risk profile for future skin cancers in Ireland, which was published on June 17th 2020, presents findings on children’s exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and sunbeds, UV skin protection behaviours, and sunburn. High-risk groups: children and young people The report was […]
Protect your child against sun damage!
Playing and spending time outdoors is a really important part of childhood, but it is crucial that children are protected and safe while having fun in the sun. Childhood: a critical time Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Ireland with over 11,000 cases diagnosed each year and the number of cases […]
Know Your Fitzpatrick Skin Type: Protect Your Skin!
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Ireland and in fair/light skinned populations worldwide, for whom sunburn is a risk factor. The vast majority of these cancers are associated with overexposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV), mainly from sunlight. However, UV from artificial sources e.g. sunbeds, also cause skin cancer. Yet, the good news […]
Slow down skin aging – is the SPF in your moisturiser or make-up offering adequate UV protection?
Are we adequately protecting ourselves from ultraviolet radiation (UV) from the sun? Most people use moisturiser to slow the aging process of the skin, but this is not enough on its own. One of the best things we can do to slow skin aging, is to protect it from ultraviolet radiation from the sun, and […]
