A Waterford-based GP and skin cancer specialist is urging people to take a more proactive approach to protecting their skin, as Skin Cancer Awareness Month gets underway this May.
Dr David Brennan, who is based at Waterford Health Park and works with SkinScan Ireland, says the importance of skin cancer awareness and across Ireland cannot be overstated.
“A major public health issue”
Dr Brennan says skin cancer is now one of the most common conditions he encounters in his work.
“It’s a major public health issue… we’re encountering it pretty much on a daily basis,” he said.
While awareness has improved in recent years, he believes there is still a gap in how seriously people take the risks.
More than 11,000 cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in Ireland each year, making it the most common form of cancer in the country.
Prevention and early detection key
The central message behind skin cancer awareness Waterford is prevention and early detection.
Dr Brennan emphasised that up to 90% of skin cancer risk is linked to UV exposure, meaning it is largely preventable with the right habits.
“Prevention is number one, and number two is early detection. If you detect it early, it’s much easier to treat,” he explained.
UV exposure a risk even on cloudy days
A common misconception, particularly in Ireland, is that cloudy weather reduces risk.
However, Dr Brennan warned that up to 90% of harmful UV rays can penetrate cloud cover, meaning protection is needed even on overcast days.
He advised people to monitor the UV index, noting that:
- Any UV index above 3 poses a risk
- This level is reached on most days between April and September in Ireland
“We should all be wearing sun cream every day from now until autumn,” he said.
Daily sun protection encouraged
Dr Brennan recommends building sun protection into daily routines.
This includes:
- Applying SPF moisturiser or sun cream each morning
- Reapplying if outdoors for extended periods
- Wearing wide-brimmed hats for better protection
He also highlighted specific risks for different groups, including:
- Men with thinning hair, whose scalps are particularly vulnerable
- Women, where skin cancers can develop along hair partings
- Ears and face, which are common but often overlooked areas
Changing climate may increase exposure
With changing weather patterns and increased UV exposure, Dr Brennan said risks may continue to rise.
However, he stressed that this does not mean outcomes have to worsen.
“If we have the right safety practices in place, we can really reduce our risk… it’s a very preventable condition,” he said.
Warning signs people should not ignore
A key part of skin cancer awareness is recognising early warning signs.
Dr Brennan urged people to seek medical advice if they notice:
- A mole changing in size, shape, or colour
- A new lesion that looks different from others
- Any unusual skin changes, even if not painful
“Don’t ignore it… early diagnosis can mean a simple procedure and a cure, but late diagnosis can be much more serious,” he said.
Public urged to stay vigilant
As Skin Cancer Awareness Month continues, Dr Brennan is encouraging people across Waterford to remain vigilant and adopt simple protective habits.
With early detection and prevention playing such a crucial role, awareness campaigns are seen as vital in reducing future cases.
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