Although people are more knowledgeable about the risk of skin cancer, cases of skin cancer are on the increase in Ireland, according to the Irish Cancer Society (ICS).
Launching its annual SunSmart campaign today, the ICS says the most recent figures from the National Cancer Registry indicate a "dramatic increase" in the number of cases of the most common types of skin cancer.
It has added a stark warning: the number of cases indicate there is no such thing as a safe tan.
In 2000, there were 5,735 cases of skin cancer compared with 5,474 cases in 1999, a 5 per cent increase. Cases of malignant melanoma, the least common but most dangerous form of skin cancer, increased from 443 cases to 417, a 6 per cent increase. In 2000 there were 5,292 cases of non-malignant melanoma, the more common but highly curable form of skin cancer, compared with 5,057 cases in 1999, a 5 per cent increase. In 2000, there were a total of 102 deaths due to skin cancer.
Between 80 and 90 per cent of all cases of skin cancer are caused by the ultraviolet rays of the sun, which are present even on a cloudy day in Ireland, the ICS warns.
A survey of 1,200 people also published today by the ICS shows that even though only one in 10 adults knows that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ireland, nearly eight out of 10 realise ultraviolet rays of the sun are the main cause of skin cancer.
In relation to protection against the sun, however, the results showed there is still too much confidence placed in the use of sunscreen as a primary protection against the sun and as a way of reducing the risk of skin cancer.
Over half (55 per cent) of adult respondents said that they would use sunscreen as their primary method of protection. Only 37 per cent said they would cover up. Some 31 per cent said they would stay out of the sun, while only 19 per cent said that their primary method of protection was staying out of the sun at peak ultraviolet ray times.
Sunscreen should never be the first line of defence against the hidden power of the sun, according to Dr Gillian Murphy, consultant dermatologist at Beaumont Hospital.
"The ICS conducted similar research among adults living in Ireland in 2002 and there is definitely an improvement in public awareness about the need to be sun smart and limit your risk of developing skin cancer. However, we need to keep educating the public. Sunscreen should never be a first choice as a sun protection measure or a measure to allow people to stay out in the sun for longer.
"People should only use sunscreen as part of a wider sun-protective strategy. People need to cover up to get the best form of protection and to move to the shade when the sun is at its highest."
The survey also showed only 26 per cent of adults use sunscreen with a high SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or more when in the sun and 32 per cent of adults said they had been sunburnt in the past five years.
"There is no such thing as a safe tan. If people must be out in the sun for any period of time, especially during the mid-day sun, we would urge them to ensure coverage with sunscreen that contains at least SPF 15+.
"Of course, we are also stressing the importance of early detection of skin cancer," she said.
"People are advised to look out for new lumps or growths, a sore that does not heal or scaling red areas, which bleed easily. People should also look out for changes in moles as they can indicate malignant melanoma - these changes may or may not be painful or itchy. All changes should be checked out by a doctor," Dr Murphy added.