New MoleMaps campaign to highlight skin cancer risks in Ireland

The Marie Keating Foundation has launched a new national skin cancer awareness campaign urging people in Ireland to protect their skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation year-round, rather than associating sun protection solely with holidays abroad. The campaign was rolled out nationwide throughout July and August, and emphasised the importance of everyday sun protection amid Ireland’s high rates of skin cancer.

Director of Nursing Services at the Marie Keating Foundation, Helen Forristal, said: “Almost nine in 10 cases of skin cancer are considered preventable through simple SunSmart behaviours, including seeking shade during the middle of the day, covering up, wearing sunscreen, protecting your eyes, and avoiding sunbeds. The earlier skin cancer is detected, the better the outcome…Taking a few minutes to check your skin could make all the difference.”

Ireland has one of the highest rates of melanoma in Europe, despite its relatively cool climate. This is a key message of the campaign – it is exposure to UV radiation, rather than heat, that increases the risk of skin cancer.

Skin cancer is now the most common cancer in Ireland, with approximately 11,500 cases diagnosed each year, accounting for around 34 per cent of all invasive cancers in the country. More than one in five people in Ireland are estimated to develop skin cancer during their lifetime. Around 90 per cent of cases are non-melanoma skin cancers. While melanoma accounts for approximately 11 per cent of skin cancer diagnoses, it is responsible for around 63 per cent of skin cancer deaths.

Ms Jacinta O’Brien, from Bray, Co Wicklow, also spoke at the launch. She was 38 when she was first diagnosed with skin cancer and has since experienced three recurrences, all of which were successfully treated. She also spoke about her uncle, who died from melanoma at the age of just 19. Describing herself as “very fair-skinned”, Ms O’Brien said she was aware of the importance of protecting her skin and provided insight into the lived experience of her diagnosis.

“While living in London, I noticed a mole on my forehead had started to itch. Even though I was initially told it was ‘nothing’, I trusted my instincts and kept pushing until it was removed. A few weeks later, I got the news; it was melanoma, already at stage 2. I’m here today because the original mole was on my face – somewhere I could see it. That made all the difference. Melanoma has changed my life in ways I never could have imagined and now I do everything I can to encourage people to protect their skin, trust their instincts, and get anything unusual checked. A tan is never worth the risk.”

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