30 seconds to save your life

STARK FIGURE Irish men have the highest rate of skin cancer in Europe.

The Cast Stone
Michael Gallagher

As we take our first steps into 2023 there are many things vying for space here in this column. Great achievements, annoying statistics, frightening problems facing our nation, war ravaging Ukraine and many other subjects, but I want to write about a subject very close to my heart.  
Irish men talk a lot, but we don’t always speak about things which truly matter. All across the world we’re renowned for our gift of the gab and our wit which is wonderful, but sometimes we find it hard to talk about issues of real importance.
Personally, my vocal cords are almost constantly in use. Working as a journalist means there’s very little ‘quiet time’ and countless words tumble forth every day.
However, like many Irish men there are some things I find hard to talk about because I’m a procrastinator and consistently move things onto the long finger. Subconsciously I know what matters and completely understand the importance of everything coming across my desk, but I’m easily distracted and quickly move on to the next challenge, the next opportunity.
However, some things should not be ignored. My wife constantly warns me about skincare and the damage sunlight is doing to my skin. She explains how severely impacted Irish men are by UV rays and I always agree with her and tell her I understand – which I do. However, I have done absolutely nothing about it, until now.
In truth, Martina’s commentary on the terror from the skies is backed up by frightening statistics. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland. More than 4,000 Irish men contract the disease every year, with an average rate of 100 deaths per annum. These are tragic numbers because the sadness and loss are so preventable.
The numbers affected in America make for even more terrifying reading. It is also the most common cancer there. Current estimates are that one in five Americans will develop the disease in their lifetime, and approximately 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day in the US.
Here in Ireland an average of eleven people get diagnosed with skin cancer every single day of the year. One doesn’t have to be a numerical genius to realise how devastating that is for families all across the nation.
However, skin cancer can be very successfully treated if found early. I can testify to this as my father is one of those lucky people. He has dealt with the disease for many years and it had little or no impact on his life. That’s the difference early diagnosis makes.
Dad was a great man for enjoying the sunshine. In past summers he could be found working on the farm wearing just football togs. He was one of those fortunate people who tan instead of burn, and he absolutely loved the warmth and positivity of sunny summer days.
Of course, there was no sunscreen and UV block readily available in those days. In our house, the only thing rubbed on was a big dollop of olive-oil which we thought helped the tanning process. I can only imagine the damage that was done.
These days, a look at statistics reveal how vulnerable we are here in this green and lovely island we live upon. Research has revealed that Irish men have the highest rates of skin cancer in Europe.
Figures show that a fifth of Irish men are not aware of the visible signs of skin cancer, which is worrying, as early detection is crucial.
Ireland ranks 14th in the world in terms of vulnerability to skin cancer, with higher death rates than Australia – a country where men have become much more aware of the dangers in recent years.
The Aussies enjoy the outdoor life and glory in that fact, but they also see it as their duty to lather on the sunscreen and be seen to do so.
Here, we think we’re safe because we’re not overly burdened by sunny weather, but that’s not the case at all. We should wear a sun block every day of our lives. A recent NCT of my skin taught me that lesson in the starkest of terms.
If Irish men cop ourselves on in 2023 we can make a hugely positive impact in this area. It only takes about 30 seconds per day to prevent skin cancer and stave off the most preventable of diseases. Let’s do it.