Children’s exposure to ultraviolet radiation – a risk profile for future skin cancers in Ireland

Abstract

Skin Cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in Ireland, making it a major public health concern. Nationally, over 11,000 non-melanoma cancers and 1,100 invasive melanomas are diagnosed per year and these figures are set to double by 2045, according to the National Cancer Registry Ireland.

In Ireland, approximately 1 in 5 males and 1 in 9 females will be diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer in their lifetime.

However, some skin cancers are largely preventable. Overwhelming evidence suggests that it is especially important to look after skin in childhood and prevent sunburn. Three or four episodes of severe sunburn before the age of 20 is associated with a two to four times higher risk of developing melanoma later in life.