Ireland has one of the highest incidence of skin cancer and with 13,000 cases a year it is the most common cancer in Ireland.

Skin Cancer awareness for children and their parents is essential as they are likely to be outside for long periods of time, especially in warmer weather. Children’s skin is very sensitive to UV rays from the sun, and sunburn during childhood increases the risk of getting skin cancer as an adult. We used the HSE’s NCCP and Healthy Ireland Sun Smart picture that helps parents to pass on the “SLIP, SLOP, SLAP, SEEK, SLIDE” message to their children.

Although many people believe skin damage only happens when the sun is out UV rays are present all year round. UV rays intensity varies depending on time of year and are strongest typically from April to September between the hours of 11am to 3pm. You can check the UV index for the day by watching the weather forecast on television or online at the Irish Meteorological Service. Click Here

At Beaumont RCSI cancer Centre our aim is to promote the prevention and early detection of cancer through education and awareness events all year round.

May is skin cancer awareness month and our Skin Cancer Nursing Team have been busy raising awareness through a number of events on how to be SUN SMART.

Information stands in collaboration with the Irish Cancer Society and the Irish Skin Foundation engaged over 800 people in May. This essential work by dedicated specialists helps us to circulate the all-important message that “Prevention is better than Cure”. You can find out more about preventing skin cancer at:

The Irish Cancer Society Click Here

The Irish Skin Foundation Click Here