The Irish Cancer Society has urged people to be vigilant against the dangers of skin cancer despite media reports implying there were doubts on the links between malignant melanoma and sun exposure. The Sunday Times, in a front page article, quoted two UK skin cancer experts who cast doubt on the link between malignant melanoma, a particularly dangerous form of skin cancer, and exposure to the sun.
Ms Avril Gillatt, spokeswoman for the Irish Cancer Society, expressed concern that this "controversial article" might cause some people to query the value of avoiding sunburn. She said the report referred only to melanoma, which was a very rare disease. "There is universal agreement among leading dermatologists that non-melanoma skin cancers, which account for 93 per cent of all skin cancers in this country, are caused by over-exposure to the sun's harmful rays."
Melanoma accounts for only 7 per cent of the new cases of skin cancer diagnosed in Ireland each year. However, it can be fatal if not treated in time. Most melanomas are related to sun exposure. A small proportion, about one in 20, have a genetic basis, but the sun is generally involved even in these cases. The vast majority of melanomas in Irish patients occur on sites which are exposed to the sun either intermittently or regularly.
The advice to Irish people is to avoid getting sunburnt by seeking shade during the hottest part of the day, wearing appropriate cover-up clothing and using a sun cream appropriate to the skin type, she said. Melanomas frequently arise from an existing mole or pigmented patch, so in addition to taking care in the sun, "Irish people should keep a watch out for any changes in their moles".
The Irish Cancer Society is operating a sun and skin helpline, staffed by specially trained nurses, to provide information to anyone concerned about skin cancer. Tel: 1800 200 700.