Sunburn is a big baddie that most people don’t take enough notice of and a tan is your skin’s way of telling you that it is sun-damaged.
While you might think it’s sissy to use suncream every day or non-macho to wear a wide-brimmed hat, those two simple actions could keep you out of operating theatres in the future.
Baseball or traditional-style caps don’t give you enough protection, as the fabric may be too light to keep out the sun’s rays and your ears, nose and the back of your neck – the places where many farmers get skin cancer – are all exposed.
No cap and a bald head makes the risk even greater.
Under-estimating the power of the sun is part of the problem, according to Kevin O’Hagan, cancer prevention manager with the Irish Cancer Society.
A change of attitude is badly needed, he says.
“Behaviour change is challenging to achieve, but we need that in order to reduce the incidence of skin cancer in Ireland.
“The difficulty is that a person may have a mole for a long time and it’s not causing them any major pain or discomfort, or is not stopping them from working, so they don’t view it as being serious.
“It’s only when it starts to bleed, ulcerate or get itchy or uncomfortable then they’ll go, but at that point it may be too late. That’s the difficulty – farmers and outdoor workers don’t view it as serious enough sometimes.”
There has been a sharp increase in skin cancers in Ireland and it’s expected to treble by 2040, says O’Hagan.
“In 2015 there were 215 skin cancer deaths, 53 were from the construction, farming and outdoor industries, so that’s one in four deaths from skin cancer from that occupational group. That’s one death per week. It is, therefore, essential that we get the message out to farmers that skin cancer is a real threat to their health.”
Thinking that cancerous moles can be easily sorted out surgically, even if you did get skin cancer, isn’t a good idea.
“There are 10,000 cases of skin cancer diagnosed in Ireland a year, but almost 1,000 of those are melanoma skin cancers, which are very serious and can be fatal if not treated early enough. The survival rate for these types of cancer in the areas of the face, neck and ears is not great.”
Remembering that sun damage can happen on cloudy days too is very important, says O’Hagan.
HSE HEATWAVE ADVICE
“Staying well in summer is mostly a matter of common sense,” says HSE health protection director Dr Kevin Kelleher.
“Listen to your local weather forecast so you know if a heatwave is on the way and plan ahead to reduce the risk of ill health from the heat.
“Deaths in people aged 75 and over can rise by up to 60% more than expected during a hot spell.
“Those with heart, breathing and serious health problems are more at risk of potentially adverse effects of very warm weather, while babies and young children are also especially at risk.”
Those on certain medications, those who have a high temperature from infection or who misuse alcohol or take illicit drugs are also at risk of serious harm during hot weather.
HSE TOP TIPS FOR KEEPING
COOL DURING A HEATWAVE
• Stay out of the heat between 11am. and 3pm.• Keep a damp cloth on the back of your neck.• Eat cold foods.• Drink plenty.• Avoid excess alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks.• Maintain a cool house by keeping windows exposed to the sun closed during the day.• Close curtains in sunny rooms.• Turn off non-essential electrical equipment – they generate heat.• Keep bowls of water in the house as evaporation helps cool the air.• Sleep in a cooler room, if possible.• Use an electric fan, but only if the temperature is below 35°C.• Be watchful of others.• Make sure that babies, children and elderly people are not left alone in stationary cars. • Some prescription medicines can make us feel hotter. You should be taking your medication, but it’s important to take extra care to keep cool.
SYMPTOMS OF HEATSTROKE
• Feeling faint and dizzy.• Short of breath.• Vomiting.• Confusion.• Headache.• Intense thirst.• Cramps in your arms, legs or stomach.• Cool down as quickly as possible if you have these symptoms. Ring your doctor or pharmacist if you are worried. Ring 999 if the person has collapsed.
WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE HAS HEATSTROKE
Heatstroke can develop very suddenly and rapidly lead to unconsciousness. After calling 999: • Move the person somewhere cooler, if possible.• Increase ventilation by opening windows or using a fan • Loosen their clothes.• Sprinkle them with water or wrap them in a damp sheet. • If they are conscious, give them water or fruit juice to drink.• DO NOT give aspirin or paracetamol.
WHAT PUTS YOU MORE AT RISK
OF SKIN CANCER
• Pale skin.• Freckles.• Having a large number of moles.• Previously having skin cancer.• A family history of skin cancer.FODDER FOR THOUGHT
• If correct style, sun-safe hats (wide-brimmed or French foreign legion-style ones) could be sourced more easily and at a reasonable price, and if respected farming personalities set the example of wearing them in photo situations and at public events, would there be more awareness of skin cancer danger?• If, like in Australia, suncream was available in larger and more masculine containers, would the message about sun protection filter through? • The IFA worked with the Irish Cancer Society last year to produce a very useful leaflet about skin cancer. You can download it at www.ifa.ie and www.cancer.ieUSEFUL WEBSITES
• www.cancer.ie• www.hse.ie• www.fchan.ie CL>> A surgeon speaks
Blackrock Clinic consultant plastic surgeon Mr Fuan Chan, gave these responses to Irish Country Living’s questions about farmers and skin cancer.
Q. Have you treated farmers for skin cancer?
A. Yes I have. While being outdoors exposes us to the sun’s harmful UV rays, those who work outdoors are at a much larger risk of over-exposure to these rays, and with a large number of Irish people working in the agricultural sector, I have had many people from the farming community referred to me with cases of skin cancer.
Q. If so, where are the main areas of their bodies affected by skin cancer?
A. Face and hands primarily. While UV rays can penetrate clothing, it is usually the areas of the body not ordinarily covered that suffer from the effects of over-exposure to the sun.
While they are mostly older farmers, it is also important to note that skin cancer can affect people of all ages, and there is an increasing number of young Irish people contracting it.
Q. What are farmers not doing right at the moment in relation to sun care?
A. Exposure to the sun for prolonged periods of time means our skin is damaged by UV rays. This damage can lead to skin cancer forming, so it is really important to wear the right clothing and sun protection, including sunscreen.
However, there may still be an idea that sunscreen is something we only wear on holiday, or that it is somehow not ‘manly’ to use it every day. That is an idea that needs to change.
A tan is actually your skin’s way of telling you that it is sun damaged. As UV rays penetrate its layers, the skin produces extra melanin to protect itself, and this is what causes your skin to tan. Far from being a healthy look, it is actually your body’s way of telling you it is being adversely affected by UV rays.
Wearing the right clothing to properly protect yourself from UV rays is very important if you work outdoors.
A cap may protect the top of your head and forehead, but it won’t protect your ears or neck, so a wide-brimmed hat that shades the entire head and neck is preferable.
In bright sunshine, it is also advisable to wear UV-protected sunglasses to shield the eyes.
The most important thing we can do to protect ourselves and our loved ones is to be sun smart.
That involves wearing the right high-factor broad spectrum sunscreen and applying it regularly, well in advance of starting your outdoor work, and throughout the day. That includes areas often forgotten, such as the back of the neck, the tops of the ears, and the backs of the hands.
Q. Anything else you would like to add?
A. Being sun smart is so important to healthy skin and reducing the risk of skin cancer. However, it is also very important to be able to recognise the signs of skin cancer forming, and anybody who works outdoors regularly should be aware of the signs.
Look for unusual markings or changes in your skin. If you have moles, check for any signs of change in colour, shape or signs of bleeding.
If you are worried about skin cancer, it is important to know that it can be treatable, but early diagnosis means the chances of a positive outcome are far greater, so see your doctor about it.
Your health is the greatest gift you have, so the first thing you should think about is protecting it.
Sunburn is a big baddie that most people don’t take enough notice of and a tan is your skin’s way of telling you that it is sun-damaged.
While you might think it’s sissy to use suncream every day or non-macho to wear a wide-brimmed hat, those two simple actions could keep you out of operating theatres in the future.
Baseball or traditional-style caps don’t give you enough protection, as the fabric may be too light to keep out the sun’s rays and your ears, nose and the back of your neck – the places where many farmers get skin cancer – are all exposed.
No cap and a bald head makes the risk even greater.
Under-estimating the power of the sun is part of the problem, according to Kevin O’Hagan, cancer prevention manager with the Irish Cancer Society.
A change of attitude is badly needed, he says.
“Behaviour change is challenging to achieve, but we need that in order to reduce the incidence of skin cancer in Ireland.
“The difficulty is that a person may have a mole for a long time and it’s not causing them any major pain or discomfort, or is not stopping them from working, so they don’t view it as being serious.
“It’s only when it starts to bleed, ulcerate or get itchy or uncomfortable then they’ll go, but at that point it may be too late. That’s the difficulty – farmers and outdoor workers don’t view it as serious enough sometimes.”
There has been a sharp increase in skin cancers in Ireland and it’s expected to treble by 2040, says O’Hagan.
“In 2015 there were 215 skin cancer deaths, 53 were from the construction, farming and outdoor industries, so that’s one in four deaths from skin cancer from that occupational group. That’s one death per week. It is, therefore, essential that we get the message out to farmers that skin cancer is a real threat to their health.”
Thinking that cancerous moles can be easily sorted out surgically, even if you did get skin cancer, isn’t a good idea.
“There are 10,000 cases of skin cancer diagnosed in Ireland a year, but almost 1,000 of those are melanoma skin cancers, which are very serious and can be fatal if not treated early enough. The survival rate for these types of cancer in the areas of the face, neck and ears is not great.”
Remembering that sun damage can happen on cloudy days too is very important, says O’Hagan.
HSE HEATWAVE ADVICE
“Staying well in summer is mostly a matter of common sense,” says HSE health protection director Dr Kevin Kelleher.
“Listen to your local weather forecast so you know if a heatwave is on the way and plan ahead to reduce the risk of ill health from the heat.
“Deaths in people aged 75 and over can rise by up to 60% more than expected during a hot spell.
“Those with heart, breathing and serious health problems are more at risk of potentially adverse effects of very warm weather, while babies and young children are also especially at risk.”
Those on certain medications, those who have a high temperature from infection or who misuse alcohol or take illicit drugs are also at risk of serious harm during hot weather.
HSE TOP TIPS FOR KEEPING
COOL DURING A HEATWAVE
• Stay out of the heat between 11am. and 3pm.• Keep a damp cloth on the back of your neck.• Eat cold foods.• Drink plenty.• Avoid excess alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks.• Maintain a cool house by keeping windows exposed to the sun closed during the day.• Close curtains in sunny rooms.• Turn off non-essential electrical equipment – they generate heat.• Keep bowls of water in the house as evaporation helps cool the air.• Sleep in a cooler room, if possible.• Use an electric fan, but only if the temperature is below 35°C.• Be watchful of others.• Make sure that babies, children and elderly people are not left alone in stationary cars. • Some prescription medicines can make us feel hotter. You should be taking your medication, but it’s important to take extra care to keep cool.
SYMPTOMS OF HEATSTROKE
• Feeling faint and dizzy.• Short of breath.• Vomiting.• Confusion.• Headache.• Intense thirst.• Cramps in your arms, legs or stomach.• Cool down as quickly as possible if you have these symptoms. Ring your doctor or pharmacist if you are worried. Ring 999 if the person has collapsed.
WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE HAS HEATSTROKE
Heatstroke can develop very suddenly and rapidly lead to unconsciousness. After calling 999: • Move the person somewhere cooler, if possible.• Increase ventilation by opening windows or using a fan • Loosen their clothes.• Sprinkle them with water or wrap them in a damp sheet. • If they are conscious, give them water or fruit juice to drink.• DO NOT give aspirin or paracetamol.
WHAT PUTS YOU MORE AT RISK
OF SKIN CANCER
• Pale skin.• Freckles.• Having a large number of moles.• Previously having skin cancer.• A family history of skin cancer.FODDER FOR THOUGHT
• If correct style, sun-safe hats (wide-brimmed or French foreign legion-style ones) could be sourced more easily and at a reasonable price, and if respected farming personalities set the example of wearing them in photo situations and at public events, would there be more awareness of skin cancer danger?• If, like in Australia, suncream was available in larger and more masculine containers, would the message about sun protection filter through? • The IFA worked with the Irish Cancer Society last year to produce a very useful leaflet about skin cancer. You can download it at www.ifa.ie and www.cancer.ieUSEFUL WEBSITES
• www.cancer.ie• www.hse.ie• www.fchan.ie CL>> A surgeon speaks
Blackrock Clinic consultant plastic surgeon Mr Fuan Chan, gave these responses to Irish Country Living’s questions about farmers and skin cancer.
Q. Have you treated farmers for skin cancer?
A. Yes I have. While being outdoors exposes us to the sun’s harmful UV rays, those who work outdoors are at a much larger risk of over-exposure to these rays, and with a large number of Irish people working in the agricultural sector, I have had many people from the farming community referred to me with cases of skin cancer.
Q. If so, where are the main areas of their bodies affected by skin cancer?
A. Face and hands primarily. While UV rays can penetrate clothing, it is usually the areas of the body not ordinarily covered that suffer from the effects of over-exposure to the sun.
While they are mostly older farmers, it is also important to note that skin cancer can affect people of all ages, and there is an increasing number of young Irish people contracting it.
Q. What are farmers not doing right at the moment in relation to sun care?
A. Exposure to the sun for prolonged periods of time means our skin is damaged by UV rays. This damage can lead to skin cancer forming, so it is really important to wear the right clothing and sun protection, including sunscreen.
However, there may still be an idea that sunscreen is something we only wear on holiday, or that it is somehow not ‘manly’ to use it every day. That is an idea that needs to change.
A tan is actually your skin’s way of telling you that it is sun damaged. As UV rays penetrate its layers, the skin produces extra melanin to protect itself, and this is what causes your skin to tan. Far from being a healthy look, it is actually your body’s way of telling you it is being adversely affected by UV rays.
Wearing the right clothing to properly protect yourself from UV rays is very important if you work outdoors.
A cap may protect the top of your head and forehead, but it won’t protect your ears or neck, so a wide-brimmed hat that shades the entire head and neck is preferable.
In bright sunshine, it is also advisable to wear UV-protected sunglasses to shield the eyes.
The most important thing we can do to protect ourselves and our loved ones is to be sun smart.
That involves wearing the right high-factor broad spectrum sunscreen and applying it regularly, well in advance of starting your outdoor work, and throughout the day. That includes areas often forgotten, such as the back of the neck, the tops of the ears, and the backs of the hands.
Q. Anything else you would like to add?
A. Being sun smart is so important to healthy skin and reducing the risk of skin cancer. However, it is also very important to be able to recognise the signs of skin cancer forming, and anybody who works outdoors regularly should be aware of the signs.
Look for unusual markings or changes in your skin. If you have moles, check for any signs of change in colour, shape or signs of bleeding.
If you are worried about skin cancer, it is important to know that it can be treatable, but early diagnosis means the chances of a positive outcome are far greater, so see your doctor about it.
Your health is the greatest gift you have, so the first thing you should think about is protecting it.
This is a subscriber-only article
SHARING OPTIONS: