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Obsession With The Sun
By Derval Keenan, 3/12/2004 11:35:53 AM
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Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Northern Ireland and incidence rates are increasing.
Skin cancer is caused mainly by over-exposure to the sun, both in foreign holidays and right here in Northern Ireland. Skin cancers account for more than 25% of all cancers in Northern Ireland... and nearly all can be prevented if people take precautions.
People are advised to avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm; to wear sunglasses, a sunhat and suitable clothing; and to use a sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15.
Also, GPs should be told of suspicious symptoms, such as changes to moles or pigmented areas.
Cases of the most serious form, malignant melanoma, have risen substantially over the past 25 years...from 39 cases in 1974 to 185 in 2000. The disease causes 30 deaths every year.
Sandra Gordon, Regional Melanoma Strategy Co-ordinator, said: ?“We want people to enjoy sunny weather, but even in our climate everyone is at risk, especially those of Celtic ancestry, children and outdoor workers.
?“The twin message on skin cancer is prevention and early detection and with these the majority of skin cancers can be prevented or cured?”.
The Ulster Cancer Foundation coordinates the Northern Ireland Care in the Sun Campaign and Sandra has recently been employed to develop this further.
Detailed information on care in the sun is on the website www.careinthesun.org
The Ulster Cancer Foundation also provides information on its freephone helpline 0800 783 33 39.
For further information please contact Sandra Gordon, Regional Melanoma Strategy Co-ordinator, at the Ulster Cancer Foundation on 028 9066 3281.
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