Raising awareness for Skin Cancer Month – A call to Action from your Malignant Melanoma Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Ursula McManus, Melanoma Clinical Nurse Specialist.

• Malignancies of the skin are the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Ireland. Approximately 11,556 cases diagnosed annually between 2018 – 2022.
• Non melanoma skin cancers are the most common type of skin cancer with over 10,000 cases diagnosed annually. Around three quarters of NMSC are Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) with the remainder being Squamous Cell Carcinoma
• Melanoma account for 11% (1,243) of skin cancers per year across 2018 – 2022. The majority of melanomas are diagnosed early, with 87% of females and 81% of males being diagnosed with stage I or II.
• Between 2021 - 2024 there were 1,053 melanoma diagnoses in St James Hospital. This is expected to increase dramatically by 10% every year.
• Ireland has the 9^th highest melanoma rate globally driven by our predominantly fair skinned population.

Education is the cornerstone of Irelands national strategy to reduce the rising burden of skin cancers. The National Skin Cancer Prevention Plan 2023- 2026 highlights education as a fundamental action area, aiming to improve awareness, change behaviours and empower individuals and communities to adopt a lifelong sun safety habit.

Understanding the risk factors for skin cancers is crucial for effective prevention, early detection and education.

Ultraviolet (UV) Exposure: The Leading Cause

• Sunlight: The main risk for all types of skin cancer, including both melanoma and non-melanoma, is exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. This risk exists even on cloudy or cool days as the UV rays penetrate the clouds and can damage skin.
• Artificial Sources: Use of sunbeds, tanning lamps and nasal tanning sprays dramatically increases the risk. Even one single sunbed session can increase the risk of SCC by 67% and a BCC by 29%
• Intermittent Intense Exposure: Melanoma is particularly linked to episodes of short intense sun exposure and burning especially during childhood. Recreational sun exposure is a major driver for melanoma in Ireland.

Skin Type, Physical Characteristics and Family History:

• Fair Skin: Individuals with fair skin that burns or freckles easily, often with red or blonde hair with blue eyes, green or grey eyes are at a higher risk. The Fitzpatrick skin type I and II are especially vulnerable as they have less protective melanin.
• Moles: Having a number of moles, especially atypical or dysplastic naevi increases melanoma risk.
• Family History: A first degree relative with melanoma doubles an individual’s chance of developing skin cancer

ABCDE Rules for Skin Cancer Detection:

The ABCDE checklist is a simple, highly effective guide developed by dermatologists to help both the public and healthcare professionals identify the early warning signs of melanoma.

1. Asymmetry – One have of the mole does not match the other half in shape or colour
2. Border – The edges are irregular, scalloped, notched and poorly defined rather than smooth.
3. Colour – The mole contains multiple colours or uneven distribution of colour, such as shades of brown, black, tan, red, white or blue.
4. Diameter – Melanomas are usually larger than 6mm when diagnosed, but can be smaller.
5. Evolving – any change in shape, size, colour, elevation or new symptoms such as itching, bleeding or crusting.

Early detection saves lives; melanomas are highly treatable when caught early. The ABCDE rule helps you spot the suspicious change before ethe cancer spreads.

Not all melanomas look the same; some melanomas may lack one or more of these features but most will show at least one.

Self-examinations are vital. Regular checks using the ABCDE rule combined with professional skin checks increase the chance of early detection.

Consult your doctor if you spot any of the ABCDE warning signs, or any mole that is new, changing or unusual.

Sun cream Facts and How to Apply:

Sun cream is most effective when used correctly and as part of a comprehensive sun protection strategy. No sun cream alone can fully protect you but combine with shade, clothing and smart timing for outdoors for the best defence against skin cancers.

Choosing the right sun cream:

• Broad Spectrum Protection: Always use a sun cream labelled with broad spectrum sun cream which means it protects against UVA and UVB rays that contribute to akin cancer and premature aging.
• SPF Matters: Use a sun cream with at least SPF 30 for every day use. For extended outdoor activities, especially during peak sun hours or at high altitudes, SPF 50 or higher is recommended.
• Water Resistance: No sun cream is truly “waterproof” or “sweatproof”. Look for “water resistant” (effective for 40 minutes in water) or “very water resistant” (effective for 80 minutes in water) and always re-apply after swimming or sweating.
• Types of Sun Cream: Chemical sun creams absorb UV rya sand are usually light weight and suitable for daily wear. Mineral sun creams use zinc oxide or
• titanium dioxide to reflect the UV rays and are ideal for sensitive skin.

A collective Effort for a Healthier Future:

Skin Cancer is largely preventable. By prioritising our education, early detection, and sun smart practices we can reverse rising trends. Together we can ensure Irelands future is not just brighter- but safer.

Tan Fades – Damage Stays.