Welcome to Care in the Sun - Northern Ireland’s regional sun protection and skin cancer prevention information site.

Raising awareness of the health effects of sunbeds

A campaign to raise awareness of the health risks associated with sunbeds was launched by the Public Health Agency/DHSSPSNI on 25 August 2010. The campaign aims to communicate the long term health effects of sunbeds, including skin cancer and pre-mature ageing, to sunbed users and the wider public. Particularly those under the age of 35 who are at an increased risk of developing melanoma skin cancer from sunbed use.

Research has shown that using a sunbed before the age of 35 can increase the risk of melanoma skin cancer by up to 75%. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) is the main cause of skin cancer later in life. Using a sunbed once a month or more, can increase the risk of developing skin cancer by more than half. Skin cancer is now the most common form of cancer in Northern Ireland.

The campaign on sunbeds will run from 25 August until 3 October 2010. Campaign elements include television, outdoor and online advertising. The Sunbeds ‘look a little deeper’ leaflet, developed by the Ulster Cancer Foundation, will also be distributed as part of the campaign to GPs, post primary schools and council leisure facilities etc.

See the Sunbed Risks Page

Download Sunbeds Leaflet (PDF)

Download Sunbeds Poster (PDF)

One Minute Film Competition

This competition has now closed, you can view the entries at our YouTube channel -  www.youtube.com/CareInTheSun

The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) and the Northern Ireland Melanoma Strategy implementation group (NIMSIG) launched this competition to raise awareness for Skin Cancer across Northern Ireland

For more information go to our competition page

Care in the Sun Tips

• Between 11am and 3pm seek shade

• Cover up in the sun with ‘T’ shirt, hat and sunglasses

• Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or greater

• Take extra care with children, their skin is often more sensitive and easily burned.

• Check moles for changes in size, shape and colour or any new skin growths and report any concerns to your GP.

This website contains information on how best to protect skin in the sun, the signs and symptoms for early detection of skin cancers and comprehensive statistics showing the changing pattern of skin cancer incidence in Northern Ireland.

Our download section holds numerous free to access materials. These resources have been developed for teachers, healthcare professionals and anyone with an interest in skin cancer prevention.

Kids will enjoy a visit to ‘Cool Club’, where they can see and hear the story of ‘The Misadventures of Percy Piglet and Dora Duck’, colour Cool Cat, solve puzzles and play games.