May 02, 2026

Skin Cancer & Melanoma Awareness Month: Professor Nicola Ralph Explains the Signs, the Stats and Daily SPF

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and this Monday marks Melanoma Monday in Ireland. To mark the occasion, Professor Nicola Ralph, Consultant Dermatologist and co-founder of the Institute of Dermatologists, shares what everyone needs to know about melanoma, how to check your skin, and why daily SPF is one of the most important health habits you can build.

How common is melanoma in Ireland?

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland, with approximately 13,500 cases diagnosed every year. The majority are non-melanoma skin cancers, but around 1,100 each year are melanoma, the most serious form.

Professor Ralph is clear on why early detection matters so much: melanoma caught at an early stage is almost always treatable. Left undetected, it can spread to other parts of the body, where it becomes significantly harder to treat. The earlier it is identified, the better the outcome.

The good news, according to Professor Ralph, is that skin cancer is largely preventable. Protecting the skin from UV exposure from childhood, through clothing, hats, and daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, significantly reduces the lifetime risk.

What is melanoma and how does it develop?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that begins in the cells responsible for producing pigment in the skin. When those cells are damaged by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, they can begin to grow abnormally and, if left untreated, spread to other parts of the body.

It can appear as a new spot on the skin, or develop within an existing mole, freckle or birthmark. It can be flat or raised, pigmented or, in some cases, skin-coloured. It is more commonly found on the back in men and on the legs in women, but it can appear anywhere on the body, including areas not regularly exposed to the sun.

How do you check your skin for melanoma?

The ABCDE guide is the most reliable way to assess a mole or pigmented lesion at home:

A: Asymmetry. One half does not match the other.
B: Border. Edges are irregular, ragged or poorly defined.
C: Colour. More than one shade within the same lesion, including brown, black, pink or white.
D: Diameter. Larger than 6mm, or any new lesion that is growing.
E: Evolving. Any change in size, shape, colour or sensation, including itching or bleeding.

It is also important to know that not all suspicious lesions look like moles. Non-melanoma skin cancers often appear as a non-healing sore, a small lump or bump, a rough or scaly patch, or a lesion that bleeds easily. If something has not cleared up after four weeks, it should be checked by your GP.

Does UV radiation only matter in summer?

This is one of the most common misconceptions Professor Ralph encounters in clinic. UV radiation is present all year round, not just when the sun is visible or the temperature is high.

There are two types to be aware of. UVA is present every single day, regardless of cloud cover or season. It penetrates deeper into the skin, driving wrinkle formation and long-term skin ageing, and it can pass through glass, meaning you are exposed indoors near windows and while driving. UVB peaks between May and October in Ireland and is primarily responsible for sunburn.

Both types contribute to skin cancer risk over time. Professor Ralph notes that up to 80% of UV radiation penetrates through cloud cover, which is why SPF is necessary in Ireland even on overcast days. Approximately 80 to 90% of visible skin ageing is caused by UV exposure, making daily SPF one of the most effective anti-ageing and cancer prevention tools available.

What SPF should you use and how often should you apply it?

Professor Ralph recommends a minimum of SPF 30 during the winter months, rising to SPF 40 to 50 during summer. SPF 30 filters approximately 97% of UVB rays, but no sunscreen offers 100% protection, which is why it is called a sunscreen rather than a sunblock.

The number on the bottle is only part of the picture. How much you apply and how often you reapply matters just as much. Professor Ralph advises applying the equivalent of a shot glass of sunscreen to the full body, reapplying every two hours, and immediately after swimming, towel drying or sweating. Sprays can be used to top up throughout the day but must be rubbed into the skin rather than left as a sheen on the surface.

Which SPF do dermatologists at the Institute recommend?

At the Institute of Dermatologists, we recommend EltaMD sunscreens for daily use. EltaMD Skincare is the number one professionally recommended sunscreen brand among US dermatologists and offers a broad range of formulas suitable for all skin types, from infants through to adults with conditions such as rosacea, acne and eczema.

Every EltaMD formula provides broad-spectrum protection using zinc oxide. Many also contain active skin health ingredients including niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and lactic acid, making them effective as both a daily SPF and a skincare step.

EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46

Professor Ralph's recommended daily SPF for acne-prone, rosacea-prone and sensitive skin. Formulated with niacinamide to calm redness and irritation, lactic acid to support those prone to breakouts, and hyaluronic acid for hydration. Lightweight, non-comedogenic and available in tinted and untinted versions. The tinted version affords greater protection as its iron oxides protect against the effects of visible light, which we are exposed to from high intensity indoor lights, computer screens and phones, and contributes to premature aging and abnormal pigmentation.

EltaMD AOX Elements SPF 50

An antioxidant-rich daily SPF suitable for all skin types. Combines broad-spectrum UV protection with powerful antioxidants to defend the skin against both UV damage and environmental aggressors.

EltaMD UV Sheer SPF 50+

A sheer, fluid formula suitable for face and body. Leaves no white cast and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Ideal for all skin types who want higher protection with a barely-there feel.

EltaMD UV Sport SPF 50+

Designed for active days outdoors. Water and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it ideal for sport, outdoor work and sun holidays.

Shop EltaMD SPF

When should you get your skin checked?

Speak to your GP if you notice any of the following:

A mole that is changing in size, shape or colour
A new mole or pigmented lesion
A sore, bump or lesion that has not healed after four weeks
Any spot that bleeds, itches or crusts without explanation

Your GP will advise whether a referral to a dermatologist is needed. If you have a history of significant sun exposure, previous skin cancer or a family history of melanoma, a baseline skin check is worth raising with your doctor.

The most important thing you can do today

Wear your SPF. Every day, not just in summer.

Check your skin regularly using the ABCDE guide.

And if something does not look right, get it seen early.