Free skin cancer screening in Cork city centre hospital tomorrow morning

A free, walk-in skin cancer screening service is being offered in Cork city on Saturday.

The service, for anyone over the age of 18, is provided by consultant dermatologists at South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital’s outpatients department from 8.30am to 11.30am. It is part of Euro-Melanoma, a pan-European skin-cancer-prevention programme, and the aim is to create skin-cancer awareness and to encourage self-examination.

May is melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness month. The hospital says: “Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland; approximately 11,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, and the National Cancer Registry of Ireland projects that rates will continue to rise by up to 10% each year.

“Early detection and treatment are vital, and, if diagnosed early, approximately 90% of cases are curable.”

It adds: “Exposure to UV rays is responsible for nine out of every 10 cases of skin cancer. In Ireland’s largely fair-skinned population, it is especially important to understand that not only ‘sunny rays’ cause the damage that leads to skin cancer; UV radiation can penetrate the clouds (even on overcast days), and car windscreens. When the UV index is three or above, sun protection is required.”

The Irish population is at greatest risk of skin cancer from UV radiation, due to a high prevalence of lighter skin tones.

To learn more, visit euromelanoma.org.