Players warned on skin cancer dangers

AS part of a campaign to raise awareness of malignant melanoma members of the Cork camogie and ladies football team visited the Rapid Access Pigmented Lesion Clinic at South Infirmary/Victoria University hospital in Cork recently.

The incidence of malignant melanoma in Ireland is rising and over 400 cases are reported nationally each year. Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. It affects all ages and is one of the few cancers to affect young adults. Early detection is vital for successful treatment. Melanoma most frequently occurs on the legs of women and usually appears as a changing mole or freckle.

The main risk factor for melanoma is sunburn. It is important for sportspeople, such as camogie players who mainly play in the summer months, to protect their skin from the sun. This is best done by covering up where possible and by protecting exposed areas with a sunblock with an SPF of factor 15 and above.

A rapid access pigmented lesion skin clinic was established over two years ago in the South Infirmary/Victoria University hospital, to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment.

This clinic serves the Cork/Kerry catchment area.

It is a multidisciplinary clinic with collaboration between dermatologists, plastic surgeons, radiologists, general surgeons and an oncologist.

The clinic was a recipient of a Health Service Excellence award in 2006.

The Irish Cancer Society launched its Sunsmart campaign to advise the public regarding the importance of avoiding sunburn.

(http://www.cancer.ie/news/news)