Skin Cancer Awareness: Why Skin Checks and Daily SPF Matter
Skin Cancer Awareness: Why Skin Checks and Daily SPF Matter
To coincide with Daffodil Day, Professor Caitriona Ryan spoke to Andrea Gilligan on Newstalk about skin cancer awareness and the importance of getting your skin checked. During the programme, Andrea also had a full skin examination to show listeners what a skin check involves and what dermatologists look for during an assessment.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland, with approximately 13,500 cases diagnosed each year. There are two main types of skin cancer: melanoma, which is less common but more dangerous, and non-melanoma skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, which are much more common but still require treatment.
Why skin cancer is increasing
There are two main reasons we are seeing more skin cancer:
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We are living longer, which means more cumulative sun exposure over time
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Many people get intense sun exposure intermittently, particularly on sun holidays
The skin remembers sun exposure over a lifetime. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation damages the DNA in skin cells, and this damage builds up over time, which is why skin cancer often develops years after the damage has occurred.
What to look for on your skin
Most people are familiar with checking moles, and we use the ABCDE rule:
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A – Asymmetry
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B – Border irregularity
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C – Colour variation
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D – Diameter larger than 6mm
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E – Evolving (changing in size, shape, or colour)
However, many skin cancers are not moles.
Non-melanoma skin cancers often appear as:
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A non-healing sore or scab
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A small lump or bump
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A rough or scaly patch
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A lesion that bleeds easily
These are very common and are often ignored for months or even years, which is why skin checks are so important.
The role of sunscreen - especially in children
One of the most important messages from the interview was the importance of wearing sunscreen every day.
UV damage is cumulative, and research shows that a significant proportion of lifetime sun damage occurs before the age of 18. That is why getting children into the habit of wearing sunscreen daily is one of the most important things parents can do to reduce their risk of skin cancer later in life.
Sunscreen should be worn:
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Every single day, no matter what the weather
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On the face, neck, ears and hands
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Even in Ireland, even when it is cloudy
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Alongside hats and protective clothing when in strong sun and on holiday
At the Institute of Dermatologists, we recommend EltaMD sunscreens because they provide broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays using zinc oxide, which helps protect the skin from the UV damage that leads to skin cancer and premature skin ageing.
The most important message
If you notice:
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A mole changing
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A new mole
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A non-healing sore
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A lump, bump, or scaly patch that doesn’t go away
It is important to have it checked by your GP.
Skin cancer is one of the few cancers we can see with the naked eye. Early detection makes treatment simpler and, in the case of melanoma, can be lifesaving.
