Farmers in the north-east are to be targeted by their health board with an information campaign designed to increase awareness of the dangers of skin cancer.
Preliminary evidence from the National Cancer Registry indicated that farmers have almost three times a greater risk of developing cancer on their lips compared to the rest of the population.
The farmers are being advised that they should plan their daily work in such a way to avoid being out in the open between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun is at its most dangerous.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ireland. The National Cancer Registry reports that there are approximately 5,500 cases of skin cancer in Ireland per year.
Farmers are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer as they can be exposed to excessive amounts of sun, especially during the hottest times of the day, when as much as 60 per cent of the day's harmful rays may occur.
The booklet, prepared by the North Eastern Health Board, is the first of its kind in Ireland and this is the first information campaign on skin cancer awareness aimed specifically at farmers.
A copy of the board's new sun safety booklet, Sun Safety & Farmers: Taking Out Insurance Against Skin Cancer, has been sent to each of the 9,000 members of the IFA in the Cavan, Monaghan, Meath and Louth areas.
A number of farmers from across the region have attended information sessions organised by the North Eastern Health Board's cancer education and prevention officer. These sessions were delivered during the IFA county executive monthly meetings in May.
The sun safety booklet for farmers was developed by the Health Promotion Department of the North Eastern Health Board in conjunction with the Irish Cancer Society, the regional and national Irish Farmers' Association and a consultant dermatologist.
It advises farmers to wear protective clothing, such as a shirt with sleeves and high collars, a wide brimmed hat that protects the ears, nose and back of the neck, and sunglasses.
It also suggests applying a lip balm with a high factor and a high-protection sunscreen.