IFA joins forces to boost skin cancer campaign

Thousands of people have enjoyed the recent glorious sunshine, but the Irish Cancer Society and the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) have joined forces to remind farming families and all outdoor workers of the importance of protecting their skin to reduce the risk of skin cancer.

More than 10,000 cases of skin cancer are diagnosed here every year, but the disease can be prevented in nine out of 10 cases.

The Society and the IFA have a leaflet ‘Be Smart — Protect Your Skin on the Farm’ which is available online and will be distributed to farm families over the summer months.

Kevin O’Hagan, the Society’s cancer prevention manager, said farmers and their families, who spend most of their time working or playing outdoors, are at risk.

Whether sunny or cloudy, it is important to protect skin from April to September.

Up to 90% of ultra-violet rays from the sun can get through light cloud. It doesn’t have to be a warm and sunny day for these dangerous rays to be present, he said.

IFA president Joe Healy urged farmers to plan their jobs so they are in the shade when UV rays are strongest from 11am to 3pm.