Life Hack: How to self-check for signs of skin cancer

Don't think those grey clouds are protecting you. Denise O'Donoghue shares advice on what you need to know about sun cancer risks in Ireland

How often do you monitor your skin for changes?

How did you enjoy the recent spell of brighter weather? If you’re like me, you spent a lot more time outside than usual this month, whether it’s enjoying walks under blue skies or getting some of those garden jobs ticked off the to-do list. 

However, it’s crucial that, even in spring weather, you use SPF on your skin to protect yourself from cancer and premature ageing.

Between the brighter days and Skin Cancer Awareness Month approaching in May, it’s a good time to go over some of the early signs of skin cancer, as well as some simple steps you can take to protect yourself. 

Skin cancer is now the most common form of cancer in Ireland and, reassuringly, it is also one of the most preventable. However, many cases are still diagnosed later than they should be, often because early warning signs are missed or ignored.

SkinScan Ireland and Waterford-based GP Dr David Brennan are encouraging Irish people to take a more proactive approach. With skin cancer incidence rates continuing to rise, early detection is one of the most effective ways to ensure successful treatment outcomes. 

Dr Brennan says building simple, consistent habits around skin awareness and sun protection is key, noting small changes in your behaviour now can have a significant long-term impact.

“Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers we see in clinical practice but there are some very straightforward habits that can help to reduce your risk. Early diagnosis is extremely important as it can facilitate timely treatment and improve outcomes,” Dr Brennan says.

Regular self-examination can help with early detection too, so you should take some time to become familiar with your own skin and monitor for any new moles or lesions, as well as changes in existing ones.

Any change in size, shape, colour, or texture, however subtle, can be an early indicator of concern and should prompt you to get it checked.

Don’t wait for symptoms like pain or discomfort, as skin cancers can often develop silently, with no physical signs like that.

“People often underestimate the significance of small changes in their skin or assume Ireland’s climate reduces their risk, which is not the case,” Dr Brennan adds.

It is important to become aware of the impact of ultraviolet exposure, even with Ireland’s temperate climate and often overcast skies. Harmful UV radiation can penetrate cloud cover and add to skin damage throughout the year. 

Pay attention to the daily UV index and wear broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and seek shade during peak daylight hours when levels are moderate or high.

As well as self-checks, professional skin assessments such as SkinScan will complement your monitoring for signs with a highly detailed examination of the skin that can identify subtle changes that may not yet be visible to the untrained eye.

“By checking your skin regularly, protecting yourself from UV exposure, and seeking professional advice when something changes, you are taking control of your long-term health. These are simple steps but they can make a life-saving difference,” Dr Brennan says, sharing five key actions people should take now:

• Check your skin regularly and become familiar with what is normal for you;
• Take note of any new or changing moles or lesions and do not ignore them;
• Wear sunscreen daily and protect your skin when UV levels are elevated;
• Reduce UV exposure by seeking shade and wearing protective clothing;
• Seek professional advice promptly if you notice anything unusual.

Another area people might be falling short in is how they apply sunscreen — and how much of it they’re using.

“Daily sun protection is the most crucial step in any skincare routine. Sun exposure is the leading cause of external skin ageing and a major risk factor in skin cancer, which is why SPF should be worn every day, all year round, even when it’s cloudy,” says Corinna Tolan, a multi-award-winning facialist.

“How and when you apply SPF matters. I recommend around two finger lengths of sunscreen for the face and neck, and reapply every two hours at a minimum to ensure adequate protection. I advise choosing a broad-spectrum SPF with added hydration to support the skin barrier while delivering high-level UV protection.”