Did you know?

• Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ireland with almost 13,000 cases diagnosed annually.
• The number of people being diagnosed with skin cancer in Ireland is rising rapidly; yet skin cancer is largely preventable by protecting skin from UV rays.
• Protecting your skin from the sun whether at home or abroad can reduce your risk of skin cancer.
• Be prepared; Follow the Healthy Ireland SunSmart 5 S’s: Slip on clothing, Slop on sunscreen, Slap on a wide-brimmed hat, Seek shade, Slide on sunglasses.
• Make sun protection part of your daily routine, especially from April to September, even when it is cloudy.
• No sunscreen can provide 100% protection, it should be used alongside other protective measures such as clothing and shade.

How to be SunSmart:

Follow the Healthy Ireland SunSmart 5 S’s to protect your skin:

• Slip on clothing that covers your skin such as long sleeves, collared t-shirts;
• Slop on broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen on exposed skin, using factor 30+ for adults and 50+ for children. Reapply regularly;
• Slap on a wide-brimmed hat;
• Seek shade - especially if outdoors between 11am and 3pm - and always use a sunshade on a child’s buggy;
• Slide on sunglasses to protect your eyes.

As well as the 5 S’s it is important to remember

• Do not deliberately try to get a suntan.
• Avoid getting a sunburn.
• Never use a sunbed.

For more information on the SunSmart campaign, check out Skin Cancer Prevention: SunSmart - HSE.ie