Most skin cancers are caused by ultraviolet (UV) light damaging the DNA in skin cells. The main source of UV light is sunlight.
Sunlight contains 3 types of UV light:
- ultraviolet A (UVA)
- ultraviolet B (UVB)
- ultraviolet C (UVC)
UVA and UVB damage skin over time, making it more likely for skin cancers to develop. UVC is filtered out by the atmosphere so does not harm our skin.
Artificial sources of light, such as sunlamps and tanning beds, also increase your risk of developing skin cancer.
Repeated sunburn increases the risk of melanoma in people of all ages.
Moles
You have a higher risk of melanoma if you have lots of moles on your body. The risk increases if they are large (over 6mm) or an unusual shape.
Check your moles for changes and avoid exposing them to intense sun
Other risk factors
You're also more likely to develop melanoma skin cancer if you have:
- a close relative who's had melanoma skin cancer
- fair skin that does not tan easily
- red or blonde hair
- blue eyes
- a large number of freckles
- been sunburnt often over years
- used sunbeds
- a weakened immune system, due to an illness or medication
- a previous diagnosis of skin cancer
The risk of getting skin cancer also increases with age.
Preventing melanoma
It's not always possible to prevent melanoma skin cancer. But you can reduce your risk of getting it.
In the summer you need to be really careful, especially if you have white skin and a lot of moles.
What you can do to reduce your risk
Follow the SunSmart 5S rule: slip, slop, slap, seek and slide
- Slip on clothing that covers your skin such as long sleeves, collared t-shirts.
- Slop on broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) water-resistant sunscreen - use factor 30+ for adults and 50+ for children and reapply often.
- Slap on a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, ears and neck.
- Slide on wraparound sunglasses with UV protection to protect your eyes.
- Seek shade especially if outdoors between 11am and 3pm - and always use a sunshade on a child’s buggy.
Don't
-
do not use sunbeds
-
do not try to get a suntan
-
do not get sunburnt
Check the UV index
The UV index tells you how strong the sun’s UV rays are each day.
You need to protect your skin when the UV index is 3 or above.
In Ireland, UV is usually 3 or above from April to September, even when it is cloudy. UV is usually strongest between 11am and 3pm.
Check the UV index on Met Éireann
Checking your skin
Checking your skin for signs of skin cancer can help you get an early diagnosis. Treatment has a better chance of being successful when melanoma is found early.
How to check moles on your back
To check moles on your back or the backs of your legs:
- go somewhere that is well lit and use a full-length mirror or hand mirror
- ask a friend or family member to check your moles
Compare the moles to a photograph to see if they have changed.
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
