Cancer warning over unprotected sun-tanning

People are continuing to tan without adequate protection, despite the risk of developing skin cancer, a survey revealed today.

Even though most adults know the sun is the main cause of skin cancer, 74% have experienced sunburn.

The survey of 1,200 people aged over 15, which was carried out by the Irish Cancer Society, found that only 45% used a sunscreen with the recommended sun protection factor of 15 or more.

Another 34% said they never used any type of sunscreen. This practice was most common among men over 50 and especially in the farming community, where 56% said they never, ever, used sunscreen.

Only 23% of people using sunscreen said that they applied it correctly – 20 minutes before they went into the sun and every two hours while out in the sun.

The Irish Cancer Society said people were ignoring the risks of developing skin cancer.

“Despite yearly campaigns, judging from the results of this research we still have an immense amount of work to do in reaching out to the public and educating them on the risk of developing skin cancer and the need to be sun-smart,” said spokeswoman Dr Gillian Murphy.

Around 36% of people, mainly from wealthier backgrounds, said a tan was a sign of healthy skin, when the reality is that it indicates damaged skin.

Dr Murphy, who is a consultant dermatologist at Beaumont Hospital, said there was no such thing as a safe tan.

“People need to understand that experiencing sunburn not only increases the risk of skin cancer but it also causes premature ageing and disfigurement,” she said.

According to the National Cancer Registry, the number of skin cancer cases increased from 5,740 in 2000 to 5,798 in 2001. This included a rise in the number of cases of malignant melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, from 443 to 463.

There were 93 deaths from skin cancer in 2001.

Dr Murphy said that people were often unprepared for the sun’s rays due to the changeable Irish weather and added that they should carry adequate sunscreen with them.

According to the Irish Cancer Society, up to 90% of all cases of skin cancer are caused by the UV rays of the sun and are therefore preventable.

It is recommending under its ‘SunSmart’ code that people:

:: Avoid the sun when it is at its strongest – between 11am and 3pm

:: Wear adequate clothing to protect against the sun

:: Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect ears, nose and back of the neck and sunglasses to protect the eyes.

:: Keep young babies out of the sun as much as possible.

The Irish Cancer Society is also recommending that people use fake tans instead of sun beds.