'Never use sunbeds' - HSE warns with SunSmart campaign

The Health Service Executive (HSE) is sounding the alarm with its annual SunSmart campaign, issuing a stark warning: never use sunbeds and integrate sun protection into your daily life. This year's campaign emphasizes a crucial shift in perception regarding sun exposure, reminding us that the risk of skin cancer isn't just from intense, short bursts of sun, but from a lifetime of cumulative exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light.

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Between 90-95% of all skin cancers are caused by over-exposure to UV light - that includes UV light that comes from the sun and sunbeds.

Even seemingly innocuous daily activities like walking the dog, gardening, or commuting contribute to long-term skin damage. While these exposures might go unnoticed, they are silently building up, leading to premature aging and significantly increasing the risk of non-melanoma skin cancers. The HSE points out that intense exposure leading to sunburn, however, poses an immediate threat and dramatically raises the risk of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.

Selene Daly Tarpey, a Nurse Tutor with the HSE, underscored the gravity of the situation, stating, "Between 90-95% of all skin cancers are caused by over-exposure to UV light - that includes UV light that comes from the sun and sunbeds." Her analogy is potent: "If you have skin, you can get skin cancer." While past damage is irreversible, she stressed that reducing daily UV exposure and preventing sunburn are vital steps to prevent further harm and lower future risk. "Think of it like filling a glass - you can't empty what's already there, but you can stop topping it up."

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If you have skin, you can get skin cancer.

The campaign is particularly focused on instilling good habits early, as a staggering 84% of Gen Z have experienced sunburn at least once in the past year. The SunSmart initiative promotes five key steps: slip on clothing, slop on sunscreen, slap on a wide-brimmed hat, seek shade, and slide on sunglasses. It's a clear call to action for everyone to be more mindful of their sun exposure and protect their skin.

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While previous damage cannot be reversed, reducing both your day-to-day UV exposure and avoiding sunburn can help prevent further harm and lower your risk of developing skin cancer in the future. Think of it like filling a glass - you can't empty what's already there, but you can stop topping it up.