Sligo University Hospital providing skin cancer advice at the Ploughing Championships

Experts from the Dermatology Department at Sligo University Hospital will be at the HSE Stand at the National Ploughing Championships from 18 to 20 September to offer skin cancer information to visitors.

Selene Daly, Dermatology Nurse Specialist at Sligo University Hospital said, “The Ploughing Championships is an ideal venue to provide skin cancer information as farmers and others who work outdoors are at a higher risk of skin cancer.  According to the Irish Cancer Society 1 in 4 deaths from skin cancer in Ireland are from those working in the construction or farming industry. There are now over 1,000 deaths from malignant melanoma in Ireland each year and this number is growing.

“The good news is that we know the cause - 90% of all skin cancers are directly associated with over-exposure to UV light. Also, skin cancers can be detected early by learning how to examine your skin.

“The key skin cancer prevention message for Irish people, who have a fair complexion and are prone to sunburn, is to follow the Irish Cancer’s ‘SunSmart Code’, which is to seek shade between 11am and 3pm, cover up using long sleeve clothing, sunglasses and a wide brim hat and use a high factor sunscreen with SPF 30 or 50.

“Dr Irene Timoney, Dermatology Specialist Registrar at Sligo University Hospital and myself will be present at the HSE stand in the Health and Wellness Marquee (Unit 50-53) and we look forward to meeting with visitors to provide information and give advice on skin cancer and other skin diseases.”

In addition, visitors to the HSE stand will have an opportunity to get free advice and information regarding HSE campaigns such as alcohol (askaboutalcohol.ie), quitting smoking (QUIT.ie), dementia (understandtogether.ie), sepsis, START campaign (healthy eating and physical activity) and sexual wellbeing. Also a Community Dietitian will be present to answer questions about type 2 diabetes including prevention and treatment and there will also be a BowelScreen and Diabetic RetinaScreen registration area.

Photo Caption:
Dr Irene Timoney, Dermatology Specialist Registrar and Selene Daly, Dermatology Nurse Specialist at Sligo University Hospital who will be at the HSE Stand at the National Ploughing Championships to provide skin cancer information to farmers and people who work outdoors.