Latest news with #AileenBrowne
Irish Post
a day ago
- Health
- Irish Post
Calls for free sunscreen amid rising skin cancer rates in Ireland and Britain
CORK County Council has called for free sunscreen dispensers in schools and public buildings amid rising skin cancer rates. Councillors warn that, without swift action, the number of melanoma cases in Ireland could more than double by 2045. The motion, brought forward by Fine Gael councillor Aileen Browne, draws on data from the National Skin Cancer Prevention Plan 2023–2026. It points to Ireland's unique circumstances due to the high prevalence of fair skin and increased UV exposure, even with typically overcast Irish weather. 'People often assume sunscreen is only necessary in hot climates, but that's a dangerous misconception,' Browne said in a statement. 'UV rays don't take a holiday just because the sun isn't shining. This is not just a seasonal issue; it's a pressing public health concern.' The proposal, which won cross-party backing, suggests setting up sunscreen dispensers in schools, libraries and other public areas. It's modelled on the hand sanitiser stations during the COVID pandemic and is being presented as a cost-effective preventative measure. Treating advanced melanoma can cost the Irish state over €122,000 per case, while prevention and early-stage intervention require a lot less money. 'This is about saving lives and relieving pressure on our already overburdened health system,' she added. Independent councillor Ben Dalton-O'Sullivan referenced the HSE's 2023 pilot project that installed a public sunscreen dispenser at Fountainstown Beach in Cork. He's now calling for that initiative to be rolled out across all coastal areas in the county. For Irish families living in Britain, where melanoma rates are also rising, the council's actions in Cork could be a model to emulate. The NHS doesn't currently offer free sunscreen, even though skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Britain. According to Cancer Research UK, cases of melanoma have more than doubled since the early 1990s, with Irish communities considered high-risk. Councillors in Cork are now appealing to Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill to adopt the initiative nationally. 'This is a simple, effective step we can take now,' Browne said. 'The longer we wait, the higher the cost, in lives and in euros.'
Irish Independent
04-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Over 11,000 people diagnosed with skin cancer in Ireland every year – calls for free sunscreen in all schools and public buildings
Over 11,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer in Ireland every year and projections from the National Skin Cancer Prevention Plan 2023-2026 has predicted that cases of melanoma will double by 2045 particularly among men. In 2022, research conducted on behalf of the Irish Cancer Society found that just a third of Irish people apply sunscreen regularly, and nearly one in seven of us never wear it in Ireland. The issue was debated at a recent full council meeting after Fine Gael councillor Aileen Browne brought forward a motion urging Cork County Council to install free sunscreen dispensers in all Council offices and libraries. The motion also requested Cork County Council to write to the Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill seeking dedicated national funding to provide sunscreen dispensers in public buildings across Ireland, including schools and third-level institutions. Cllr Browne said the move is both practical and essential in light of the growing skin cancer crisis in Ireland. 'Over 11,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer in Ireland every year, and tragically, most of those cases are preventable. This motion is about normalising the use of sunscreen, just like we normalised hand sanitiser during Covid. It's a small change that could make a huge difference.' Ms Browne cited alarming projections from the National Skin Cancer Prevention Plan 2023–2026, which forecasts a doubling of melanoma cases by 2045, particularly among men. 'With fair skin being the most common skin type in Ireland, UV protection is more important than ever even on cloudy days. People often assume that sunscreen is only for hot, sunny countries, but in Ireland, UV rays still penetrate through cloud, and they still cause damage. This is not just a seasonal issue, it's a public health issue." The motion also emphasised the cost-effectiveness of prevention, noting that while treating advanced melanoma can cost over €122,000 per case, early prevention costs just a fraction of that. 'We can't afford for more diagnoses or more suffering,' said Cllr Browne. 'This initiative is not only about saving lives, it's also about saving our health service money. Our communities deserve visible, accessible tools to stay safe in the sun. We care about people's health, and we're ready to act. 'This is a simple step we can take right now and I sincerely hope the Minister for Health will join me in making it a national priority,' she added. The motion was seconded by Independent councillor Ben Dalton O'Sullivan who said skin cancer is very prominent and unfortunately cases are on the increase. Fianna Fáil councillor Gearóid Murphy praised the motion for being practical and sensible. 'We live in a country which often has very changeable weather. It would be a good idea to try and roll this out on a national basis.' Fine Gael councillor Kate Lynch emphasised the importance of normalising the use of sunscreen. 'By installing this in schools we are making it part and parcel of a daily routine. We need to normalise kids putting on their own sunscreen. I don't think we realise the seriousness of it until it actually knock on your door and someone is diagnosed with skin cancer. The solution can be fairly simple. Protect ourselves rather than having to deal with the actual cancer itself.' Social Democrats councillor Ann Bambury said: 'Having four young children I know how significant it is to ensure they are fully protected with sunscreen and with our increasing warmer climate all preventative measures should be taken. I would also love to see the removal of VAT from sunscreen as well.' 'I would support the principle of the motion,' said the CEO of Cork County Council Moira Murrell: 'Our first duty of care is to our employees. We do provide sunscreen for staff that work outdoors. Primarily it is a public health initiative. If there is a national scheme and if local authorities are asked to engage in that, we will fully support that public health initiative. We will certainly be in a position to work with any national scheme that is there.'
