Young people are being urged to play safe in the Sun as 30 people are diagnosed with skin cancer daily
Businesswoman and well-known mum of two, Pippa O’Connor, today helped launch La Roche-Posay’s Save Your Skin campaign, in partnership with the Irish Cancer Society. The campaign aims to raise awareness of skin cancer prevention through SunSmart behaviour, not just during bursts of fine weather, but all year round. Statistics reveal that with the equivalent of 30 skin cancer diagnoses daily, people in Ireland need to get to grips with Sun-safe steps, regardless of Ireland’s typically inclement weather.
La Roche-Posay and the Irish Cancer Society are urging people in Ireland to play safe in the Sun, particularly young people, as reports from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI) shows they are now more at risk.
The largest increase in non-melanoma skin cancer incidence from 1994 to 2011 was amongst young people. Incidence figures for non-melanoma skin cancers increased amongst young females by (72 percent) and (53 percent) amongst males in Ireland aged zero to 34, suggesting more education is needed amongst future generations on how to protect themselves from the harmful effects of the Sun.
La Roche-Posay and the Irish Cancer Society are calling on the public to become Sun aware and follow the SunSmart Code:
- Seek Shade
When UV rays are at their strongest – generally between 11am and 3pm – and don’t forget to check the UV Index. - Babies and Children
Keep babies under six months out of the Sun. - Cover Up
Wear a shirt with a collar and long shorts. Also wear a hat that gives shade to your face, neck and ears. Wear wraparound sunglasses and make sure they give UV protection. - Apply Sunscreen
Use sunscreen with SPF 30 (SPF 50 for children) or higher and UVA protection 20 minutes before going outside and re-apply every two hours – more often if swimming or perspiring.
La Roche-Posay will be donating €1 for every stickered Anthelios product sold to the Irish Cancer Society to help further the research and preventative work that they do.
Pippa O’Connor Photo: Brian McEvoy
“I am delighted to be taking part in this campaign as I feel it is so important to be vigilant when it comes to Sun safety, particularly in Ireland. Similar to most families, the arrival of a sunny spell is met with great excitement in our house, as it can be a great opportunity to get out and about with my two young sons. However, I’m very aware of the importance of being Sun-smart and keeping my family safe from the harmful effects of the Sun. By adopting a suncare routine with my boys from an early age, I hope to instil Sun-safe behaviours that will become second nature to them as they grow.” ~ Pippa O’Connor
Kevin O’Hagan, Cancer Prevention Manager with the Irish Cancer Society, warned: “We are delighted to support La Roche-Posay’s Save Your Skin campaign in an effort to raise awareness of the importance of staying safe in the Sun. Recent figures show that incidences of skin cancer are increasing, particularly in young people, and this is often caused from repeated sunburn and from people not adequately protecting their skin in their younger years. While the overall incidence rate in young people is lower than older age groups, the increasing incidence in the younger population is concerning, as those who have received a skin cancer diagnosis have a higher risk of the disease reoccurring.”
According to Dr Niki Ralph, Consultant Dermatologist with La Roche-Posay, staying Sun-safe today can help to keep skin cancer at bay. “Developing Sun-safe habits from childhood is an essential part of safeguarding future generations from the harmful effects of the Sun. As a consultant dermatologist, I am keenly aware of the vulnerabilities of the skin when exposed to the Sun’s UV rays, all year round. Further education with regard to the danger of UV exposure from an early age is necessary to empower tomorrow’s generation to be SunSmart every day.”
For more information on La Roche-Posay Anthelios products available please visit laroche-posay.ie/sun.
