May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month – an important reminder for us all, as skin cancer is still the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Ireland. More than 11,000 cases are diagnosed here each year, according to the Irish Cancer Society, and that number continues to grow. It’s a startling and frustrating statistic, especially when you consider the vast amount of information now available to us now, and the wide range of affordable sunscreens with sophisticated formulas that have eliminated the old excuses – too chalky, too heavy, too sticky, and so on.
According to the National Cancer Registry of Ireland, the most common type of skin cancer is non-melanoma skin cancer, accounting for 89 per cent of cases. The most serious type is melanoma – much more dangerous, though less common – making up 11 per cent of diagnoses, but responsible for 63 per cent of skin cancer-related deaths.
The good news is that most skin cancers are detected early, when treatment outcomes are significantly better. That’s why self-awareness is so important. Keep an eye out for new marks or changes in existing moles and freckles. These can appear anywhere on the body, but are often found on the back in men and on the legs in women.
So, what exactly should you look for? The ABCDE guide is one of the simplest and most reliable ways to assess changes at home:
- A is for asymmetry – one side of the mole, freckle, or spot does not match the other.
- B is for border – the edges are irregular or poorly defined.
- C is for colour – more than one shade is visible within the mark, including brown, black, white and so on.
- D is for diameter – how big is the lesion, and is it growing? Anything larger than 6mm (the Irish Cancer Society suggests comparing it to the top of a pencil) should be looked at.
- E is for evolving – changes in shape, size, or sensation need to be noted. Is it itching, bleeding, or crusting? If a spot, mole, or lesion on your skin shows any of these signs, it needs to be checked immediately. Make an appointment with your GP, and if you need a referral to a dermatologist, they will guide you through that process.
Of course, the number one thing you can do to protect yourself and those you love and to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer is to wear broad-spectrum sunscreen every single day. Yes, even when it’s cloudy. Broad spectrum means your sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Both are equally dangerous. Think of UVA as ageing: these rays are present year-round, penetrating deep into the skin, causing skin laxity, wrinkles, and fine lines, and contributing to melanoma. Think of UVB as burning – these are the rays that burn and damage the skin, and are the main cause of common skin cancers such as basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma.
Although I’ve used the word “wear” in relation to application, really, the word we’re looking for here is “slather”. You can never apply too much sunscreen – but you can, and most people do, apply too little. Use the two-finger rule for your face, neck, and chest: sunscreen applied evenly from the base to the tips of your index and middle fingers is sufficient for those areas. Beyond that, a generous application across the body is key. And don’t forget to reapply every two hours, or more frequently if you’re swimming or sweating.
Effective sunscreen does not have to be expensive. Some excellent, reliable and accessible options I recommend include CeraVe Invisible Hydrating Sunscreen SPF50 Face and Body (€17.99 from Boots), Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF50 (€18 from Space NK) and Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance Body Lotion SPF50 (€40 from Boots).
CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen SPF30; Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance Body Lotion SPF50; CeraVe Invisible Sun Stick SPF50; Caudalie Vinosun Protect Invisible High Protection Stick SPF50; Garnier Ambre Solaire Super UV Over Makeup Mist SPF50; Sculpted by Aimee Sun Mist SPF50
To top up throughout the day, try CeraVe Invisible Sun Stick SPF50 (€14.99 from Boots) or Caudalie Vinosun Invisible High Protection Stick SPF50 (€17.25 from Space NK), as well as Garnier Ambre Solaire Super UV Over Makeup Mist SPF50 (€16 from Boots) or Sculpted by Aimee Sun Mist SPF50 (€24 from Sculpted by Aimee). There are also roll-ons, balms, powder options and more. Whichever format you choose, a generous application is key to achieving the advertised level of protection.
And don’t forget the often-missed areas. Protect your lips and ears, wear sunglasses to shield your eyes, and a hat to protect your scalp and face.
This week I’m loving … Doctrine Resurface Lactic Acid Matcha Mask
Doctrine Resurface Lactic Acid Matcha Mask (€35 from doctrineskincare.com)
One of three new products from excellent Irish skincare brand Doctrine Skincare. Made with lactic acid, glycerin, and enriched with matcha (known for its antioxidant properties), Resurface Lactic Acid Matcha Mask (€35 from doctrineskincare.com) is an effective yet gentle mask that helps to slough away dead skin cells and brighten the appearance of the skin in just two minutes, while keeping the all-important skin barrier in check.