Pharmacists are among the most accessible healthcare professionals and are ideally placed to promote effective sun protection behaviours. In Ireland, ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is a major, preventable cause of skin cancer, including melanoma and non‑melanoma skin cancers. Importantly, sun damage can occur even on cloudy days, making awareness of sun protection important for all. UV radiation damages the DNA in skin cells, increasing cancer risk over time.

Why sun protection matters in Ireland

Many people underestimate the strength of the Irish sun. The UV index in Ireland is typically three or higher from April to September, even when it is cloudy, and this is the level at which skin protection is recommended. UV rays are strongest between 11am and 3.00pm, when unprotected exposure can quickly lead to skin damage. Repeated sunburns, especially during childhood, significantly increase skin cancer risk later in life. Therefore, teaching the importance of sun protection from a young age is important.

The SunSmart 5S’s

Pharmacists should consistently reinforce the SunSmart 5S’s, a simple and effective framework for reducing UV exposure:

• Slip on clothing that covers the skin, such as long sleeves and collared tops;
• Slop on broad‑spectrum, water‑resistant sunscreen. Adults should use at least SPF 30, while children should use SPF 50, with a minimum four‑star UVA rating or a UVA logo (the letters ‘UVA’ inside a circle), which indicates that it provides the EU recommended level of UVA protection;
• Slap on a wide‑brimmed hat to protect the face, ears, and neck;
• Seek shade, particularly between 11am and 3pm from April to September; and
• Slide on wraparound sunglasses with UV protection to protect the eyes.

Sunscreen should be applied 20 minutes before sun exposure, reapplied every two hours, and more frequently after swimming, sweating, or towel drying. Pharmacists should remind patients that sunscreen does not provide 100 per cent protection and must be used alongside clothing and shade.

Who is most at risk?

Everyone needs sun protection, regardless of skin tone. While people with fair skin, light eyes, freckles, or a history of sunburn are at higher risk, individuals with brown or black skin are also vulnerable and may be diagnosed with skin cancer at a later, more serious stage. Additional high‑risk groups include children and adolescents, outdoor workers, people who play outdoor sports, sunbed users, those with suppressed immune systems, and individuals with a personal or family history of skin cancer.

Children’s skin is particularly sensitive to UV damage. Multiple severe sunburns before age 20 can more than double the risk of skin cancer in adulthood. It is better to protect babies up to six months old from sunlight by using shade and clothing rather than sunscreen. If a baby is under 12 months old, you should keep them in the shade and wear clothing that covers their skin when outdoors. Older children should also be in the shade, if possible, but especially between 11.00am and 3.00pm — this is when UV rays are at their strongest.

Teenagers often have high sun exposure patterns, making early education vital. Outdoor workers can receive up to three times more UV exposure than indoor workers and should be encouraged to plan tasks around peak UV hours and use protective clothing and sunscreen.

The pharmacist’s role

Community pharmacists can make a significant impact by:

• Advising on appropriate sunscreen selection and correct use;
• Reinforcing that sunburn and tanning are signs of skin damage; and
• Encouraging routine sun protection as part of daily health habits.

By integrating these evidence‑based messages into everyday consultations, pharmacists can help reduce preventable skin cancer risk across all age groups and skin types.

Resources

The HSE NCCP provides free, evidence‑based resources for workplaces, healthcare professionals and the public, including:

• Patient information leaflets; and
• Factsheets and posters

Resources can be ordered or downloaded at healthpromotion.ie/products (select Cancer from the drop‑down menu). More information is available at hse.ie/sunsmart.