In 2016, skin cancer was the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Ireland, with over 11,000 cases. The immunosuppressant medication required by organ transplant recipients to prevent organ rejection puts us at greater risk for developing skin cancer. Skin cancer can be caused by both types of UV rays from the sun, UVA and UVB. UVA rays are present all year round and UVB rays are predominant in the summer months, therefore we need to wear SPF 365 days a year even in Ireland.

Irish people tend to think that the sun in Ireland does not cause skin cancer, however the Irish sun is the same sun that is in Spain and Portugal with the same risks of causing skin cancer even on a cloudy day. UVA and UVB rays interact with our skin in different ways. UVA rays penetrate the dermis and produce free radicles that lead to wrinkles, dyspigmentation, freckles, loss of skin elastically and DNA mutations which lead to the development of skin cancer.

UVB rays increase the risk of skin cancer in the epidermal layer of the skin. So how can we protect ourselves, I hear you ask? A broad-spectrum SPF should be used as this provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays. SPF should be applied to the skin 20 mins before sun exposure and should be reapplied every 2 hours or after swimming / excessive sweating.

Protect your skin by wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and applying sunscreen frequently on a daily basis. Seek shade particularly from 11am to 3pm when the UV rays are at their strongest.

Don’t forget the 5 S’s of sun safety:

• Seek shade from midday sun
• Slip-on a broad brimmed hat to protect your face, ears and neck.
• Slide on a pair of sunglasses
• Slop on SPF- at least SPF 30 but preferably SPF 50
• Slip on a cotton cover up