Don’t sizzle in the sun this summer

Don’t sizzle in the sun this summer

The Public Health Agency (PHA) says that the only thing that should be sizzling this summer is the food on your barbecue as it urges people to enjoy the great weather safely.

The unpredictability of our summers can lead to many people thinking that they will not get sunburn in such a changeable climate. However, the majority of the population have fair skin, which provides little protection against the sun, so even a small amount of exposure can do damage.

Dr Miriam McCarthy, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at the PHA, explained: “Being active and having fun outside is good for health, but the sun can cause permanent damage to our skin. Just one episode of sunburn, especially in childhood, doubles the lifetime risk of malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.”

There are a number of simple steps that will help protect against the sun’s harmful rays:

•    Seek shade when the sun is at its strongest – generally 11am to 3pm.
•    Cover up in the sun with a long sleeved t-shirt, sunglasses and a hat.
•    Use sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 for UVB protection and 4-star for UVA protection. Apply liberally 30 minutes before going out in the sun and re-apply at least every two hours.

Dr McCarthy continued: “Malignant melanoma begins in the skin and can spread to other organs in the body. The most common sign of malignant melanoma is the appearance of a new mole or a change in an existing mole.

“The number of cases of malignant melanoma in Northern Ireland has more than doubled in the past 20 years. New evidence from the Health Survey Northern Ireland indicates that very few people here regularly check their skin for signs of skin cancer.

“We encourage everyone to follow these steps in the current period of hot weather. Also, don’t forget that it is important to drink enough water to keep hydrated during warmer spells, whether here at home or if you are travelling away for holidays.

“Prolonged heat poses a particular risk to older people, young people and those with heart and lung conditions, who may feel the effects of hot weather more acutely than others, and although rain is forecast for the weekend, it will remain very warm so it is important to take steps to keep cool.”

If you are concerned about skin cancer you can also call the Cancer Focus NI free information and support helpline on 0800 783 3339 or email one of the charity’s nurses on helpline@cancerfocusni.org

Ends

Notes to the editor

1. The Health Survey Northern Ireland conducted by the Department of Health, Social Services & Public Safety aims to capture information on a range of health topics. The survey runs on a continuous basis with separate modules for different policy areas, e.g. skin cancer prevention, included in different years. Survey results are available at http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/index/stats_research/stats-public-health.htm

2. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Northern Ireland and accounts for over 30% of all cancers diagnosed here – around 3,550* people develop it each year. While most skin cancers are not malignant, the most severe form, malignant melanoma, can be a potentially life-threatening condition, particularly if not diagnosed in the early stages. (* average number per year from 2008-2012. Ref. NI Cancer Registry)

3. It is important to check skin regularly for suspected skin cancers. Check the whole body as skin cancer can occur in places not normally exposed to the sun. Be aware of any new spots, or existing spots that have changed colour, size or shape. A skin cancer may be a spot that bleeds easily, never heals properly or is always itchy. If an unusual spot is identified, show this to a doctor. Most skin cancers can be treated successfully if treated early.

4. The Public Health Agency is the lead organisation for the implementation of the Skin Cancer Prevention Strategy and Action Plan 2011-2021 launched in July 2011.

5. Building on the work of the former Northern Ireland Melanoma Implementation Group (NIMSIG), a Skin Cancer Strategy Implementation Group, jointly chaired by the Public Health Agency and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland, has been established to take forward the six objectives contained in the Strategy and Action Plan.

6. The Skin Cancer Strategy Implementation Group is a multi-agency group which includes representatives from the Public Health Agency, Cancer Focus Northern Ireland, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Environmental Health, General Practice, Pharmacy, the Belfast Health & Social Care Trust, the Northern Health & Social Care Trust, the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust, the Southern Health & Social Care Trust, the Western Health & Social Care Trust, the Health & Safety Executive Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry.