To mark Sun Awareness Week, the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland are urging everyone to protect their skin from harmful UV radiation and to regularly check for any signs and symptoms of skin cancer.

Frances Dowds, Health and Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA, emphasised the dual nature of sunlight: "It's great to see and feel the sunshine during the spring and summer and we hope to see plenty of sunny weather over the coming months.

"Sunlight helps provide our bodies with vitamin D, supports bone health, lowers blood pressure, helps prevent disease and promotes good mental health. However, over-exposure to UV radiation can damage skin, and the majority of skin cancers are caused by over-exposure to UV radiation.

"Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Northern Ireland and accounts for over 31% of all cancers diagnosed. Over 4,000 people develop skin cancer each year and almost 1 in 10 of these are malignant melanoma, the most serious form. Malignant melanoma rates have risen over the past 40 years from an average of 103 cases per year in the mid-1980s, to 424 cases in recent years.

"The majority of all skin cancers are preventable by undertaking simple sun protection measures.”

Skin cancer remains the most common cancer in Northern Ireland, accounting for over 31% of all cancers diagnosed. Over 4,000 people develop skin cancer annually, with almost 1 in 10 of these cases being malignant melanoma, the most serious form. Worryingly, malignant melanoma rates have risen significantly over the past four decades, from an average of 103 cases per year in the mid-1980s to 424 cases in recent years.

"The majority of all skin cancers are preventable by undertaking simple sun protection measures," Ms Dowds added. "Alongside prevention, early detection is crucial. Doreen Regan, Skin Cancer Prevention Coordinator at Cancer Focus NI, stressed the importance of regular skin checks: "Regularly examining your skin for any new or changing moles, spots, or lesions is crucial in detecting skin cancer early. Checking your skin regularly, ideally once a month, could save your life."

She advised: "Get someone to help you check areas that are difficult to see, like your back and the backs of your legs. Don't forget the soles of your feet, between your toes, your scalp, neck and nails. Always remember, know your skin and know what is normal for you."

Common signs and symptoms of skin cancer include a new growth or sore that doesn't heal within three to four weeks, or anything that is inflamed, growing, bleeding, crusting, red around the edges, particularly itchy or painful, or changing in any way. While most moles are normal, any new moles appearing in adulthood or changes to existing moles should be checked by a GP. 

Top tips for protecting your skin from cancer:

• Check UV Risk: UV radiation levels are highest in Northern Ireland between March and October, even on cool or overcast days. Check daily and hourly UV index forecasts via weather apps. 

• Protect When UV Index is 3+:

Seek shade between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm.

Cover up with suitable clothing.

Wear a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses with 100% UV protection (CE marked or BS EN ISO 12312-1 standard).

Use sunscreen (SPF 30+ and UVA 4+ stars) on exposed skin. 

• Babies and Children: Babies under six months should be kept out of direct sunlight. For older children, use SPF 30 or 50 with a minimum UVA 4 stars. 

• Avoid Sunburn: Never let your skin go pink or red. For darker skin, sunburn might feel tender, irritated, or itchy. 

• Sunscreen Application: Use the correct amount – an adult needs about six teaspoons for the whole body.

• Avoid Sunbeds: They cause overexposure to UV radiation. 

• Monthly Skin Checks: Be aware of any changes and consult your GP if you notice new or changing moles or abnormal skin.

For more information, visit www.careinthesun.org.