We know it\u2019s the most mortal of sins to speak ill of the fleeting good weather in this country.\u00a0 We\u2019re not trying to rain on your sun-deprived parade, we promise.\u00a0 There is just something you need to know about our recent puce pandemic. <\/p>\n
Our tendency for a national exodus to the great (or any) outdoors, slathered in baby oil and stripped down to the barely decent at the merest hint of a gap in the grey makes for a perhaps unsurprising fact: despite having arguably the worst weather on the continent, we still have one of the highest rates of skin cancer in Europe.\u00a0 <\/p>\n
This has led La Roche-Posay to launch Melanoma Awareness Month, a month-long skin cancer awareness campaign in Ireland, supported by the Department of Health.<\/p>\n
The Facts<\/strong> Melanoma is one of the rarer forms of skin cancer generally, but here in Ireland the number of cases diagnosed in 2008 was up a staggering 92% on the figures from 1998.\u00a0 Unfortunately, malignant melanoma is also one of the few cancers that affect young adults.<\/p>\n Prevention is Better then Cure<\/strong> Start with the sunscreen.\u00a0 It should be worn all year round.\u00a0 This is because while we may not see very much of them, 80-85% of the sun\u2019s rays still get through those ever present clouds.\u00a0 To make it easier to remember, try using make-up or a moisturiser that has an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 15 at the least.\u00a0 <\/p>\n When the sun does shine, wear sunglasses, rimmed hats and loosely fitting clothing.\u00a0 Seek shade between 11am and 3pm as this is when UV rays are at their peak, regardless of whether or not it is the hottest time of the day.\u00a0 But be warned, you can still get burnt in the shade so lash on the sunscreen and reapply every two hours.<\/p>\n The same goes for your kids.\u00a0 We get up to 80% of our sun exposure before turning 20 so keep them covered up when out playing.<\/p>\n Sunbeds are lethal.\u00a0 Don\u2019t use them.\u00a0 It really is that simple.\u00a0 There is a dizzying array of tans in a bottle available now.\u00a0 We\u2019ve all read the how-to apply them properly guides, you can get them reasonably cheap and most important of all, they won\u2019t kill you.<\/p>\n Check Those Moles<\/strong>
\n Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ireland, and 66% of us Irish are at a higher risk of developing this cancer because of our skin type alone.\u00a0 The most serious form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma, is most typically caused by getting short bursts of the sun on only a few occasions each year\u2026sound familiar?\u00a0 <\/p>\n
\n While it may all sound pretty ominous, Melanoma Awareness Month is all about hitting home that 90% of skin cancers are completely preventable. \u00a0<\/p>\n
\n Melanoma Awareness Month is about treatment as well as prevention.\u00a0 Early detection is vital and most skin cancers can be treated if caught early.\u00a0 Check moles or marks on the skin for any changes every three months or so and see a doctor if you have any concerns.\u00a0 <\/p>\n