31 July 2024

SunSmart for farmers

Skin cancer is one of the most preventable forms of the disease. Yet there over 11,000 cases diagnosed annually in Ireland and that figure is rising. Francis Bligh, Teagasc Health & Safety Specialist, discusses how to protect yourself against the dangers of sun exposure.

Working outdoors is an every-day part of farming life. It makes farmers the envy of many office or factory workers. The downside is that farmers are exposed to two to three times more ultraviolet radiation (UV) from the sun compared with people who work indoors. UV radiation significantly increases your risk of skin cancer.

Simple steps will help to protect skin from the sun, reducing the risk of skin cancer. People often think it is the sun’s heat that causes skin cancer, but in fact it is UV rays from the sun which cannot be seen, or felt, that cause the damage.

Follow the SunSmart 5 S’s to protect skin from the sun

1. Slip on clothing that covers your skin, such as long sleeves, collared T-shirts.
2. Spread sunscreen on exposed areas – using factor 30+ for adults. Apply 20 minutes before going outside. Re-apply regularly – more often if sweating.
3. Slap on a wide-brimmed hat.
4. Seek shade – especially if outdoors between 11am to 3pm when UV rays are at their strongest. Plan your outdoor work for early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak UV sun Use trees or portable shade for break times and lunch.
5. Slide on some sunglasses to protect your eyes.

The earlier skin cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat. So it’s important to talk to your GP without delay if you notice any changes on your skin, or a new or changing mole. It may not be skin cancer, but it is always best to get it checked to be sure.

Dr Una Kennedy, GP advisor to the HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme, emphasises that checking your skin regularly for changes is really important to prevent the development of skin cancer. “Contact your GP if you notice a lump or discoloured patch on the skin,” she says. “Look out for new growths, or a sore that does not heal in a few weeks, a spot or sore that itches, hurts, crusts, scabs or bleeds, constant skin ulcers with no other explanation for their cause, and new or changing moles.”

To find skin cancer early, it helps to know what your skin and moles normally look like. That way, you’ll notice any changes more easily. To look at areas of your skin that you can’t see easily, like the skin on your back, try using a hand held mirror and reflect your skin onto another mirror, or you get a family member or friend to look for you. It is especially important to check your skin regularly if you’re often outside in the sun for work or leisure.

You can check the UV forecast for your area on Met Éireann’s website

More information on the SunSmart campaign

This article was first published in Today’s Farm. Read more from Today’s Farm here