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.