The HSE National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) and Healthy Ireland launched the annual SunSmart campaign in April and runs until the end of September to remind people, whether at home or abroad, of the simple ways they can enjoy the sun safely while protecting their skin from the sun’s UV (ultraviolet) rays.
We sometimes think Irish sun “isn’t real sun”, but skin cancer is our most common type of cancer in Ireland today, with over 11,000 cases diagnosed annually . This number is projected to more than double by 2045 . Yet in most cases, skin cancers could be prevented by protecting skin from the sun’s UV rays and not using sunbeds.
It’s vital to protect skin when outdoors in Ireland, especially from April to September when UV rays from the sun are at their strongest. Even on cooler, cloudy days UV radiation levels can be high enough to damage skin and increase the risk of skin cancer.
The SunSmart campaign aims to get us into the habit of protecting our skin every day, whatever the weather. People often think it is the sun’s heat that causes skin cancer, but in fact it is UV rays from the sun which cannot be seen or felt that cause the damage.
Being SunSmart is a simple and effective way of reducing your risk of developing skin cancer. Protect your skin by follow the Healthy Ireland SunSmart steps:
• Slip on clothing that covers your skin such as, long sleeves and collared t-shirts.
• Slop on sunscreen: Use sunscreen, SPF minimum 30+ for adults and 50+ for children which has high UVA protection and is water-resistant. Re-apply regularly.
• Slap on a wide brimmed hat.
• Seek shade – Sit in the cover of trees to avoid direct sunlight. Use a sunshade on your buggy or pram. Keep babies and children out of direct sunlight.
• Slide on sunglasses with UV protection.
And remember, do not deliberately try to get a suntan. Avoid getting a sunburn. Never use a sunbed.
To increase awareness of how to be SunSmart, whether at home or abroad, the HSE and Healthy Ireland launched the SunSmart radio campaign. Radio ads will run on national, local and digital radio from May to August 2024.
The 2024 SunSmart partner pack has campaign information, video links and image links for your use and to share with your own networks to support the 2024 SunSmart campaign. The 2024 SunSmart Campaign Partner Pack is available for download by clicking here.
We welcome your being part of the campaign by posting SunSmart content to your social media channels using #SunSmart in newsletters or publications.
Further information is on www.hse.ie/sunsmart or you can email [email protected] with your request.
Thank you for your support.