Last Update: Anthrax

SUN FACT SHEET

• Research has shown that if everyone used a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least factor 15 until the age of at least 18, the number of people with melanoma would be reduced by over 70%.
• Just one single blistering sunburn in adolescence doubles the risk of developing skin cancer in later life.
• Repeated tanning contributes to premature ageing and increases the risk of skin cancer. The sun's UVA rays travel deep into the skin and can destroy the elastin and collagen fibres that give the skin its springy, youthful look.
• The most common cancer in Ireland is non-melanoma cancer of the skin.
• Melanoma of the skin for women in Ireland is 53% above the EU average and 19% above the EU average for men.
• It is never to late to start the prevention of sunburn.
• The best protection against sunburn is to put on a high sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 and combine this by staying in the shade between the hours of 11am and 3pm and also to wear protective clothing.