Skin cancer: 'Using sunbeds or going out in the sun isn’t worth the risk'

The ‘cover-up’ message is not getting through to many young adults who are often unaware of the signs of sun damage and regard skin cancer as an old person’s disease

A 2020 study by the University of Galway found that 90% of 10- to 17-year-olds had experienced sunburn in their lifetimes.

It's peak festival season and young people all over Ireland are planning to attend events such as Longitude, All Together Now, and Electric Picnic. The question is: When they’re packing their festival essentials, will they remember to include sun protection? The Irish Cancer Society fears not.

Sarah Egan, an awareness nurse with the Irish Cancer Society, thinks Gen Z are blasé about the dangers of sun exposure.