The HSE is aware that people are aware of the harm intense short-term exposure can have but are warning people that the accumulation of everyday ultraviolet (UV) over a lifetime is also a significant cause of skin cancer.
They said that routines such as "school runs, walking the dog, walking or gardening, commuting to work, and spending time outdoors all contribute to long-term skin damage", even on cloudy days.
At the same time, episodes of sun exposure that results in sunburn can significantly increase the risk of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer.
They HSE have stated that skin cancer is linked to chronic and intermittent UV exposure, with both patterns making daily skin protection equally as important.
“UV damage is cumulative, meaning everyday exposure adds up over time, but it’s also important to recognise the danger of intense, intermittent exposure that leads to sunburn. Many people mistakenly associate the sun’s warmth with UV exposure. However, what we feel as heat is actually infrared radiation - not UV. Unlike heat, UV radiation cannot be seen or felt, which often leads to a false sense of security. Protecting your skin both every day and during periods of strong sunshine is key to reducing your lifetime risk of skin cancer," Dr Breeda Neville, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, HSE National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) said.
“Every moment spent in the sun without protection contributes incrementally to a person’s overall risk. It is not just occasional high exposure -such as holidays or heatwaves - that is harmful, but also the thousands of routine, everyday exposures over decades. Together, both cumulative and intermittent UV exposure play a significant role in skin cancer development," she continued.
The HSE have launched their annual SunSmart campaign to highlight how simple every day actions can decrease chances of skin cancer.
Selene Daly Tarpey, Nurse Tutor, HSE Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Education Sligo Leitrim West Cavan suggests: “Acting now can make a meaningful difference. While previous damage cannot be reversed, reducing both your day-to-day UV exposure and avoiding sunburn can help prevent further harm and lower your risk of developing skin cancer in the future. Think of it like filling a glass - you can’t empty what’s already there, but you can stop topping it up.”
