A new public health campaign has been launched in community pharmacies across Northern Ireland to encourage sun-safe behaviours and raise awareness of the dangers associated with UV radiation.

The 'Care in the Sun' initiative is running throughout April and May as part of the Living Well service. Available in 500 pharmacies, the service is a partnership between the Public Health Agency (PHA), Community Pharmacy NI (CPNI), and the Department of Health (DoH).

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Northern Ireland, accounting for over 31% of all diagnoses. Approximately 4,000 people develop the disease annually, with malignant melanoma cases—the most serious form—rising from roughly 100 cases per year in the mid-1980s to over 400 recently.

Frances Dowds, Health Improvement Manager at the PHA, stated: "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. There is no safe limit for exposure to UV radiation from sunbeds. Research shows people who have used a sunbed at least once at any stage in their life have a 20% higher risk of developing melanoma skin cancer than people who have never used a sunbed. The majority of all skin cancers are preventable by undertaking simple sun protection measures."

Experts advise that UV levels are highest in Northern Ireland between March and October. Protection is required whenever the UV index reaches 3 or higher.

Key safety recommendations include:

• Staying in the shade between 11.00am and 3.00pm. • Covering up with suitable clothing, broad-brimmed hats, and sunglasses with 100% UV protection (carrying the CE mark or British Standard BS EN ISO 12312-1).

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

• Ensuring babies under six months stay out of direct sunlight.

• Applying at least six teaspoons of sunscreen for full-body coverage 30 minutes before going outdoors, reapplying every two hours.

• Avoiding sunbeds entirely.

• Checking skin monthly for changes to moles or abnormal growths.

Naomi Thompson, Health Improvement Manager at Cancer Focus NI, added: "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."

Community pharmacist Garth Newberry highlighted that the campaign provides an ideal opportunity for the public to seek professional advice.

Garth Newberry 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."

For more information, the public can visit www.careinthesun.org or contact the Cancer Focus NI Nurseline on 0800 783 3339.