All cancer patients urged to take extra care in the sun.

THIS October, the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus NI are partnering to remind people affected by all cancer types across Northern Ireland to protect their skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, particularly if medicines or treatment have weakened their immune system or made their skin more sensitive to sunlight.

Many immunosuppressant medicines reduce the body’s ability to identify and respond to damaged cells, which can increase the risk of certain skin cancers. Some cancer treatments and medicines can also cause photosensitivity, meaning skin may react more strongly to sunlight and burn more easily.

These effects vary, so patients are encouraged to follow advice from their oncology team, GP, or pharmacist when it comes to being UVAware.

Studies have identified that cancer treatments are in the top five groups of drugs associated with photosensitivity, with 12 per cent of all reported photosensitisers being cancer treatments, and nearly 18 per cent of skin pigment changes are due to treatment.

Therefore, protecting the skin from UV is an essential part of the cancer treatment journey, continuing post-treatment.

As we move into autumn, both organisations aim to remind people most at risk that the UV rays in Northern Ireland are still strong enough to damage skin, even when the weather is cool and cloudy. However, simple steps can help to reduce risk:

Check the UV index: protect your skin and eyes when the UV index is 3 or above, even on cool or overcast days, regardless of your skin colour or tone

Seek shade: limit time in direct sunlight, especially between 11am and 3pm when UV levels are usually strongest.

Cover up: choose long sleeves and tightly woven clothing, a broad-brimmed hat, and sunglasses with 100% UV protection.

Use sunscreen: apply a mineral based broad-spectrum product with at least SPF 30 and UVA four- or five-star protection to exposed skin, especially around any exposed wound site. Use it generously and reapply regularly.

Avoid sunbeds: there is no safe level of exposure to UV radiation from sunbeds.

Patients, and their partners, are also encouraged to check their skin at least once per month and get to know what is their normal.

A new or changing mole, spot, sore or patch of skin, or anything that is growing, bleeding, crusting, painful, particularly itchy, or not healing, should be checked by a GP.

Naomi Thompson, Health Improvement manager at Cancer Focus NI, said: “It is important to highlight the dangers of UV exposure and the need for sun awareness to people with any cancer type.

“The message is simple, if your immune system is suppressed, or your treatment makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight, then everyday UV protection matters.

“Check the UV index, cover up, use suitable sunscreen, and speak to your healthcare team if you are unsure about your personal risk.”

The evidence around the effects of unprotected UV exposure in cancer treatment note that UV rays can lead to phototoxic skin reactions including sunburn, redness, swelling, and tenderness; hyperpigmentation which can last for several months post treatment especially on scar tissue if not protected from UV; UV recall when the skin reacts at an area of previous sunburn even without any active UV event; and can hinder healing by slowing the repair process.

Frances Dowds, Health and Sexual Wellbeing Improvement manager at the Public Health Agency, commented: “It is extremely important to protect your skin all of the time, especially if you are receiving treatment for cancer and treatment that makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight, or if your immune system is suppressed.

“How you apply your sunscreen also affects how well it protects you, a lot of people do not apply enough sunscreen. To maximise protection against UV damage, at least six full teaspoonfuls of sunscreen lotion are needed for an all over body application for an average adult.

You should use:

- more than half a teaspoon of sunscreen to each arm;

- over half a teaspoon for the face and neck, including the ears;

- just over one teaspoon for the front of your body;

- just over one teaspoon for the back of your body;

- just over one teaspoon for each leg.

“To give a good level of protection, sunscreen needs to be applied generously 30 minutes before you go outdoors, then reapplied every two hours, or more frequently after swimming, sweating, or towelling the skin.”

Anyone concerned about a skin change should contact their GP.

For more information on how to stay safe in the sun, visit www.careinthesun.org.

You can find out what the daily UV index is for your area through the weather app on your smartphone or by downloading the Met Office app.