Community pharmacies roll out ‘Care in the Sun’ campaign as skin cancer cases surge across NI

A new public health campaign urging people to protect themselves from harmful UV exposure has been launched across 500 community pharmacies in Northern Ireland, as figures show more than 4,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year.

Running throughout April and May, the ‘Care in the Sun’ initiative is being delivered through the Living Well pharmacy service, a partnership between the Public Health Agency (PHA), Community Pharmacy NI (CPNI), and the Department of Health (DoH).

The campaign comes as health officials warn that skin cancer now accounts for over 31% of all cancers diagnosed in Northern Ireland, with rates of the most serious form—malignant melanoma—rising sharply over recent decades.

Skin cancer cases climb as UV exposure risk highlighted

Health officials say the campaign is designed to address growing concern around preventable UV damage, particularly as the region enters the months when exposure risk is highest.

Frances Dowds, Health Improvement Manager at the PHA, said:

“Sunlight helps provide our bodies with vitamin D, supports bone health, lowers blood pressure, helps prevent disease and can promote good mental health. However, over-exposure to UV radiation from either the sun and/or sunbeds can damage skin, and we know that the majority of skin cancers are caused by this.

“Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Northern Ireland and accounts for over 31% of all cancers diagnosed. Over 4,000 people develop skin cancer each year and almost 1 in 10 of these are malignant melanoma, the most serious form. Malignant melanoma rates have risen over the past 40 years from an average of around 100 cases per year in the mid-1980s, to over 400 in recent years.”

She added that there is no safe level of exposure to UV radiation from sunbeds, with research showing that people who have used a sunbed at least once have a 20% higher risk of developing melanoma compared to those who have never used one.

“The majority of all skin cancers are preventable by undertaking simple sun protection measures,” she said.

Peak UV months bring hidden risk—even on cooler days

The campaign warns that UV radiation levels in Northern Ireland are highest between March and October, even when temperatures are low or skies are overcast.

Health advice centres on monitoring the Solar UV Index, which measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation. When the index reaches three or above, protective measures are strongly recommended.

People are being encouraged to check daily and hourly UV forecasts using weather apps and to adjust their behaviour accordingly, particularly during peak hours between 11.00am and 3.00pm when UV rays are strongest.

Simple protection steps can significantly reduce risk

The campaign outlines a series of practical steps aimed at reducing exposure and preventing long-term damage:

• Stay in the shade between 11.00am and 3.00pm

• Wear suitable clothing that covers the skin

• Use a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses with 100% UV protection

• Ensure sunglasses carry a CE mark or meet British Standard BS EN ISO 12312-1

• Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and a UVA rating of 4 or 5 stars

Officials stress that correct sunscreen use is critical. An average adult requires six teaspoons of sunscreen for full body coverage, distributed as follows:

• More than half a teaspoon per arm

• Over half a teaspoon for the face, neck, and ears

• Just over one teaspoon for the front of the body

• Just over one teaspoon for the back

• Just over one teaspoon for each leg

Sunscreen should be applied generously 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapplied every two hours, or more frequently after swimming, sweating, or towelling.

Children and high-risk groups face greater danger

Health experts are also warning of heightened risks among certain groups, including babies, children, people with fair skin or hair, outdoor workers, and those with a family history of skin cancer.

Naomi Thompson, Health Improvement Manager at Cancer Focus NI, said:

“It’s important to remember the care in the sun messages both at home and abroad. Everyone is at risk of UV damage, but certain groups are particularly at risk including babies and children, those with fair hair and skin, outdoor workers and people with a family history of skin cancer.

“Just one episode of sunburn, especially in childhood, can double the lifetime risk of malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.”

Babies under six months are advised to stay out of direct sunlight entirely. Where exposure cannot be avoided, only small amounts of high-protection sunscreen should be applied to exposed areas. For children over six months, SPF 30 or SPF 50 products with a minimum UVA rating of four stars are recommended.

Early detection push as pharmacists take frontline role

Alongside prevention, the campaign places strong emphasis on early detection. People are being urged to check their skin at least once a month for any changes, including new moles or alterations to existing ones, and to seek medical advice if concerns arise.

Community pharmacists are playing a central role in delivering the campaign, offering guidance on sun safety, skin protection, and medication-related sensitivities.

Garth Newberry, a Community Pharmacist in Carryduff, said:

“Community pharmacists regularly help patients with a range of common health concerns associated with ‘Care in the sun’ such as skin protection, treatment for sun exposure and mole concerns. This campaign is an opportunity for you to chat to your local pharmacist or pharmacy team about how to look after your skin, how to stay safe in the sun, talk about medication that could increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight and also to raise any concerns, especially in relation to prevention and early detection of skin cancer.”

Pharmacists are also advising patients to seek guidance if they are taking medications that can increase sensitivity to sunlight, such as doxycycline.

Where to access support and further information

Members of the public can check the UV index for their area using their smartphone weather app or by downloading the Met Office app.

Further information on sun safety is available at www.careinthesun.org.

Anyone concerned about cancer symptoms or seeking advice can contact Cancer Focus NI’s Nurseline on 0800 783 3339, available Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 1pm.

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At a glance

• ‘Care in the Sun’ campaign launched across 500 pharmacies in Northern Ireland

• Skin cancer accounts for over 31% of all cancers in the region

• More than 4,000 people diagnosed annually; nearly 1 in 10 cases are malignant melanoma

• Melanoma rates have risen from around 100 cases in the 1980s to over 400 today

• Sunbed use linked to a 20% increased melanoma risk

• UV levels highest between March and October, even in cooler weather

• SPF 30+ sunscreen with UVA 4–5 stars recommended; six teaspoons needed for full coverage

• Children, outdoor workers, and fair-skinned individuals among highest risk groups

• Monthly skin checks urged to support early detection

• Cancer Focus NI Nurseline available on 0800 783 3339