As we embrace the sunny weather with day trips and gatherings with friends, it is important we remember to practice sun safety.
Being sun smart involves protecting your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet lights. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can damage skin and increase your risk of skin cancer. There are an estimated 11,000 cases of cancer annually in Ireland & in most cases this can be prevented by employing adequate sun protection.
Being sun smart applies to people of all skin colours.
The perpetuation of stereotypes surrounding skin health for patients with darker skin, a lack of dermatologic representation in the media and limited sunscreen marketing targeted towards this population, contributes to low health literacy on the effectiveness of sunscreen in preventing skin cancer amongst this population. This is evident in a study called Racial Differences in Perceived Risk and Sunscreen Usage, which found that individuals with black and Asian backgrounds had the lowest reported sunscreen usage and perceived risk of developing skin cancer. While Caucasian people have a higher incidence of melanoma, patients of colour experience lower overall survival rates due to these perceptions as well as delayed diagnosis and treatment. It is important to note that even individuals with darker skin tones are not immune to the damaging effects of UV light. It is important to note that this study was conducted in the U.S and may not be reflective of the demographic of black and Asian people in the EU & Ireland.
People from all backgrounds should enjoy the sun in a safe way as well as get their recommended intake of vitamin D. When UV light touches the skin, vitamin D is made although this process can be affected by a number of things such as your age, skin, location & time of year. It is important to get the balance right between safe sun exposure and vitamin D production as too much UV light can cause skin cancer.
The World Health Organization (WHO) advises 5 to 15 minutes a day of casual sun exposure to your hands, face and arms 2-3x a week during the summer months. For individuals between the ages of 13 and 64, it is suggested to only take a 15 microgram supplement from Halloween to St. Patrick’s Day unless instructed otherwise by a healthcare professional. However, if you have limited sun exposure, darker skin, are elderly, or pregnant, it is advisable to take a daily 15 microgram vitamin D supplement year-round. This supplement should be consumed with food to aid in absorption. Choosing foods that also aid in Vitamin D production is important. This includes cod liver oil, oily fish such as salmon herring mackerel & fresh tuna. Vitamin D is also found in egg yolks, beef, fortified cereals & milk and margarine & butter in smaller amounts.
The UV index records the strength of the sun’s UV rays each day. Sun protection is required when the UV index is 3 or above. In Ireland, the UV index is usually 3 or above from April to September. This is usually strongest between the times of 11am and 3pm.
The National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) & Healthy Ireland have developed a campaign called the SunSmart 5S that people can follow to mind their skin in these sunny months and reduce their risk of skin cancer.
- Slip on protective clothing: Ensure skin is covered by wearing long sleeves, collared t-shirts, and clothes made from close-woven material that blocks sunlight.
- Slop on broad-spectrum sunscreen: Apply SPF of at least 30+ for adults and 50+ for children, with high UVA protection and water resistance, reapplying regularly. Use in addition to other protective measures like clothing and shade.
- Slap on a wide-brimmed hat: Shield your face, ears, and neck from the sun.
- Seek shade: Stay under trees or use a sunshade on a buggy or pram to avoid direct sunlight, especially for babies and children.
- Slide on sunglasses: Protect your eyes with UV-blocking sunglasses.
SOURCES & FURTHER INFORMATION
HSE National Cancer Control Programme and Healthy Ireland launch annual SunSmart campaign
Racial Differences in Perceived Risk and Sunscreen Usage – PMC (nih.gov)
