HSE Urges Sun Safety as Temperatures Rise Ahead of Weekend Concerts

As Ireland prepares for sunny weather and rising temperatures, health officials are reminding the public to protect their skin from harmful UV rays, with over 160,000 fans expected at this weekend's sold-out Oasis concerts in Dublin serving as a timely reminder for sun safety awareness.

The HSE National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) and Healthy Ireland have launched their latest appeal for people to follow SunSmart guidelines, particularly as many will be spending extended periods outdoors this weekend, whether at concerts, sporting events, or simply enjoying the sunshine.

Dr Blaithin Moriarty, Consultant Dermatologist at St Vincent's University Hospital:

"Playing and spending time outdoors is good for us all but it is important to enjoy the sun safely and protect skin when outside. By protecting your skin when you are outdoors, you can reduce your risk of developing skin cancer. It is also not enough to use these protection measures on sunny days alone. Even on cool or cloudy days, UV rays from the sun can still reach our skin and cause damage without us realising it."

The warning comes as skin cancer rates continue to climb across Ireland. Over 11,000 cases are diagnosed annually, making it the most common form of cancer in the country. Projections suggest these numbers could double by 2045 if current trends continue.

Dr Triona McCarthy, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at the HSE's NCCP:

"Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ireland with over 11,000 cases diagnosed annually. The number of people being diagnosed with skin cancer in Ireland is rising rapidly, with the number of cases expected to double by 2045. The SunSmart campaign outlines the steps you, your family, friends and colleagues can take to protect your skin from the sun and reduce your risk of skin cancer."

The HSE's SunSmart campaign promotes five simple steps, known as the 5 S's: Slip on protective clothing, Slop on sunscreen (SPF 30+ for adults, 50+ for children), Slap on a wide-brimmed hat, Seek shade especially between 11am and 3pm, and Slide on UV-protective sunglasses.

For those heading to Croke Park this Saturday and Sunday, or planning outdoor activities closer to home in Cork, the advice is particularly pertinent. Concert-goers are being urged to pack sunscreen, sunglasses and hats alongside their tickets: essential items for anyone planning to "Roll With It" in the sunshine.

The campaign also emphasises three crucial don'ts: don't deliberately seek a suntan, avoid getting sunburnt, and never use sunbeds.

Parents are particularly reminded to keep babies and children out of direct sunlight and to use sunshades on buggies and prams during the hottest parts of the day.

Whether you're bound for Dublin's concerts or enjoying Cork's own outdoor spaces this weekend, the message is clear: sun protection isn't just for holidays abroad. With temperatures rising and UV levels high, taking precautions now could prevent serious health consequences later.

For more information about protecting yourself and your family, visit www.hse.ie/sunsmart.