Community pharmacies across Northern Ireland have launched a campaign to encourage sun safe behaviours and increase awareness of UV radiation health effects. The 'Care in the Sun' initiative runs through April and May as part of the Living Well service, available in 500 pharmacies.

The Public Health Agency, Community Pharmacy NI, and Department of Health deliver Living Well, which offers public health advice. Frances Dowds, Health Improvement Manager at the Public Health Agency, stated that sunlight provides vitamin D and supports bone health, but over-exposure to UV from sun or sunbeds damages skin and causes most skin cancers.

Skin cancer represents the most common cancer in Northern Ireland, comprising over 31% of diagnoses. More than 4,000 people develop it yearly, with nearly 1 in 10 cases as malignant melanoma. Rates of malignant melanoma have increased from around 100 cases per year in the mid-1980s to over 400 recently.

People who have used a sunbed once in their life face a 20% higher risk of melanoma than those who have not. Dowds noted that simple sun protection measures prevent most skin cancers.

Naomi Thompson, Health Improvement Manager at Cancer Focus NI, said everyone risks UV damage, with higher risks for babies, children, those with fair hair and skin, outdoor workers, and people with family skin cancer history. One sunburn episode, particularly in childhood, doubles lifetime melanoma risk.

Recommendations include checking skin monthly for changes and consulting a GP for mole alterations or new moles. Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and 4-5 star UVA protection, applying six teaspoonfuls for an adult body, 30 minutes before outdoor exposure, and reapplying every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

Protect skin when the UV index reaches three or above. Garth Newberry, a pharmacist in Carryduff, said pharmacists assist with skin protection, sun exposure treatment, mole concerns, sun sensitivity from medications, and skin cancer prevention.