Barbara McGrogan from the Irish Cancer Society joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge with tips and advice on how to be Sun Smart and protect ourselves against skin cancers.

Barbara provides some statistics about skin cancer, including the fact that skin cancer accounts for 1 in every 3 cancers diagnosed in Ireland each year, with outdoor workers having a 2-3 times greater risk compared with indoor workers. Most importantly, it is the most preventable cancer where correct steps are taken to protect yourself.

UV rays cause skin cancer, Barbara explains, particularly when the UV score is at 3 or greater, and UV rays are strongest in the months of April to September and from 11am to 3pm in the day. The UV ray scoring index is available on the Met Eireann website and is reported on the news.

Barbara recommends that all farmers use the 5S of Sun Smart:

· Slip on clothing

· Slop on sunscreen (at least factor 30 for adults and factor 50 for children, reapply regularly throughout the day, ensure it’s water resistant if necessary)

· Slap on a wide brimmed hat

· Seek shade (where possible)

· Slide on sunglasses

For more information on UV awareness and the sunsmart message for outdoor workers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-B77rRN1nKY.

https://www.met.ie/uv-index

https://www.hse.ie/sunsmart

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com