A recent study focusing on skin cancer and tanning behaviours discovered that nearly fifty per cent of participants who engaged in sunbathing admitted they thought it was worth getting sunburnt to achieve a tan. Furthermore, over forty per cent of the participants resorted to using sunbeds.
Almost half of those living in Ireland (approximately 48.9 per cent) make it a habit to sunbathe whenever they come across sunny weather, with nearly 70 per cent of respondents indicating that they felt and looked better when having a sun-kissed glow. The study, brought to light in the peer-reviewed journal Skin Health and Disease, was conducted by the dermatology wing at South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital (SIVUH) in Cork.
The survey involved over 1,000 individuals, investigating attitudes, beliefs and routines surrounding tanning and skin cancer, and asked participants about their confidence in resolving melanoma symptoms in the Irish community. The research revealed a variable understanding of melanoma risk-control practices, as less than half (42.4 per cent) of the participants were sure about what to examine when inspecting their skin for possible melanoma signs. The primary motive stated for not shielding their skin during sunbathing was the belief that it hindered the development of a tan.
Of those who turned to sunbeds for tanning, just beyond ten per cent admitted using them in the preceding year, making an average of eight visits during those twelve months. Nearly half of them expressed they had taken at least a two-week sun-soaked vacation in 2019 dedicated to sunbathing.
In Ireland, reports have shown an 81 per cent rise in the frequency of melanoma since 1994, with over 1,100 fresh cases annually. It is responsible for 2 per cent of each year’s cancer-related fatalities in the country.
One of the main research contributors, Dr. Catriona Gallagher, conveyed that skin cancer is the most common cancer found in Ireland, with many skin cancer fatalities being avoidable with initial treatment. She also stated that changing these deep-rooted social and cultural norms is considerably challenging for melanoma prevention initiatives. She further suggested that public health campaigns should develop a multi-pronged strategy to help alter public opinion of tanned skin as a beauty symbol to being a skin damage sign.
Dr Cathal O’Connor, another research collaborator, also listed out indicative signs of skin cancer that include moles changing in colour, size or shape, and any rapidly growing new lumps or bumps that exhibit bleeding or crusting.