Irish Cancer Society Launches SunSmart Campaign 2012

EPIC FAIL campaign highlights importance of being SunSmart 

The Irish Cancer Society is launching its annual SunSmart campaign by highlighting the alarming fact that skin cancer is the most common cancer in young people inIreland. In 2010, 8,713 people were diagnosed with skin cancer, and of these 837 were diagnosed with melanoma, the more serious form of skin cancer. Nine out of ten cases of skin cancer are caused by ultraviolet rays (UV) from the sun or sunbeds and as such can be prevented. This year’s EPIC FAIL campaign is based on the message “You don’t have to get sunburned to get skin cancer, but it helps” and will comprise an outdoor advertising, postcard and public relations campaign. As part of this year’s campaign, the Society has put together a survey to investigate attitudes to tanning and being SunSmart. The survey is available at www.cancer.ie/sunsmart. The Society is also encouraging people to go on its website and check the UV levels in their area for any particular day using a UV Index forIreland. Irish Cancer Society Health Promotion Officer Rosemary Scott says:  “Sun exposure is the main risk for skin cancer so it is important to always protect your skin both at home and abroad whether being on the beach, playing sports, gardening or working outdoors and never get sunburnt.  Also parents need to follow SunSmart Code with their children as worryingly most UV damage is caused during childhood and adolescence. It is also important to know your skin and what is normal for you and to look out for any changes. Early detection is the key to successful treatment. Many skin changes will be harmless but if you find anything unusual call the National Cancer Helpline on Freefone 1800 200 700 or visit your doctor without delay.” The Irish Cancer Society recommends people follow the SunSmart Code to stay safe in the sun and reduce their risk of developing skin cancer: 

• COVER UP: by wearing a shirt with a collar and long shorts.  Also wear a hat that gives shade to your face, neck and ears 
• SEEK SHADE: from the sun when UVA rays are at their strongest – between 11am and 3pm 
• WEAR WRAPAROUND SUNGLASSES: make sure they give UV protection 
• SLAP ON SUNSCREEN: Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher and UVA protection 30 minutes before going outside and re-apply every 2 hours – more often if swimming or perspiring 

Keep babies under six months out of the sun.  For further information on skin cancer prevention, early detection and the dangers of sunbeds call the National Cancer Helpline on Freefone 1800 200 700 which is staffed by specialist nurses on Monday-Thursday from 9am to 7pm and Fridays from 9am to 5pm.