Latest news with #NationalCancerControlProgramme
RTÉ News
21 hours ago
- Climate
- RTÉ News
Warmest day of year as 27C recorded in Co Roscommon
A temperature of 27C has been recorded at Mount Dillon in Co Roscommon, making it, provisionally, the hottest day of the year. Met Éireann said that, pending verificiation, it beats the 25.9C reached in Athenry, Co Galway on 30 April. The record could be broken again tomorrow when temperatures of up to 29C are forecast in long spells of sunshine. Met Éireann said that tomorrow will be "very warm or hot" with "highest values over the northern half of the country". However, showers are also possible in humid conditions and they may be heavy at times. Provisional highest temperature of the year so far, recorded at #MountDillon, Co Roscommon 📍 this afternoon. Beats the previous high of 25.9 °C at Athenry on April 30th. 🌡️ #BeSummerReady #SunSmart — Met Éireann (@MetEireann) June 19, 2025 The warm weather is expected to continue on Saturday, with sunny spells and showers, but temperatures will be lower, with a high of 25C. It will be fresher and breezier on Sunday and Met Éireann said that similar conditions will likely prevail early next week. #Pollen Forecast🌱🌳🤧📈 ➡️ High levels expected for today & the coming days. ➡️Grass, nettle & weed pollen in particularly high levels expected. ➡️Medium to high concentrations expected for grass, nettle & weed pollen. Stay protected. For moreℹ️ — Met Éireann (@MetEireann) June 19, 2025 It comes as the UK record for the warmest day of 2025 was broken twice today A temperature of 32.2C was measured in Kew, west London, hours after 30.8C was reached in Wisley, Surrey. Much of Britain is expected to be under "heatwave conditions" over the weekend. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber heat-health alert for England that will remain in force until 9am on Monday. The agency warned that "significant impacts are likely" across health and social care services because of high temperatures, including a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or people with health conditions. Heatwave conditions in the UK are met when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days with temperature values meeting or exceeding the threshold for that location. Across much of the north and west of Britain, this threshold is 25C, but in greater London and the south-east, it is higher, at 28C. HSE urges people to use sun protection The HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) and Healthy Ireland are advising people to use sun protection. Skin cancer is the most common form of the disease in Ireland with over, 11,000 cases annually, and 1,200 melanoma cases - the most serious form of skin cancer - diagnosed each year. It comes as the NCCP and Healthy Ireland launched the annual 'SunSmart' campaign. They advise people to use suncream with SPF 30+ for adults and 50+ for children, wear hats, sunglasses and clothing that covers the skin, and to avoid direct sunlight. "The more time you spend unprotected in the sun, the more UV damage your skin is exposed to which increases your risk of skin cancer, including the deadliest form - melanoma," Dr Breeda Neville of the NCCP said.
Agriland
a day ago
- Health
- Agriland
Farmers need to be ‘sun smart' to reduce skin cancer risk
With the sunny weather forecast in the coming days, the Health Service Executive (HSE) National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) and Healthy Ireland are reminding people that sun safety is not just for trips abroad. The sun can be strong enough to cause sun damage from the start of April to the end of September in Ireland, according to the HSE. Whether you're out in the fields, heading to the beach, grabbing a coffee or relaxing in the garden, it is important to use sun protection each day between April to September, even on cloudy days. Minister of State for public health, wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O'Connor said: 'Being active outdoors is good for our health and wellbeing, but everyone needs to be aware that exposure to the sun can be very harmful if we're not appropriately protected. 'I am encouraging everyone to take action to enjoy the sun safely and reduce their risk of skin cancer. It's very simple, just follow the five Healthy Ireland SunSmart steps whether you're at home or abroad. Your skin will thank you for it.' Skin cancer risk To reduce skin cancer risk, it is important to protect your skin when outside, especially from April to September when UV rays from the sun are strongest. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ireland, with over 11,000 cases annually. Yet in most cases, skin cancers could be prevented, according to the HSE. Data from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI) show that over 1,200 cases of melanoma, which is the most serious form of skin cancer, are diagnosed in Ireland every year. This figure is projected to rise to over 3,000 cases per year by 2045. Specialist in public health medicine at the HSE's NCCP, Dr. Breeda Neville said: 'Melanoma skin cancer is strongly linked to intermittent, high-intensity UV radiation exposure which can occur during outdoor recreational activities like sunbathing or water sports, or if you use a sunbed. 'The more time you spend unprotected in the sun, the more UV damage your skin is exposed to which increases your risk of skin cancer, including the deadliest form – melanoma. Follow the SunSmart 5 S's whether at home or abroad this summer.' Almost nine in 10 cases of skin cancer could be prevented by following the Healthy Ireland SunSmart 5 S's to protect your skin: Slip on clothing that covers your skin such as, long sleeves, collared t-shirts; on clothing that covers your skin such as, long sleeves, collared t-shirts; Slop on sunscreen – use sunscreen with SPF 30+ for adults and 50+ for children which provides high UVA protection and is water-resistant. Reapply regularly; on sunscreen – use sunscreen with SPF 30+ for adults and 50+ for children which provides high UVA protection and is water-resistant. Reapply regularly; Slap on a wide brimmed hat; on a wide brimmed hat; Seek shade – sit in the cover of trees to avoid direct sunlight. Use a sunshade on your buggy or pram. Keep babies and children out of direct sunlight; – sit in the cover of trees to avoid direct sunlight. Use a sunshade on your buggy or pram. Keep babies and children out of direct sunlight; Slide on wraparound sunglasses. As well as the 5 S's the HSE has said that it is important to remember not to deliberately try to get a suntan. Avoid getting a sunburn and never use a sunbed. Patient advocate for the 2025 SunSmart campaign, Jacinta O'Brien is raising awareness of the importance of skin protection: 'I was diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer when I was 38. I've had three surgeries, targeted treatment, immunotherapy and radiotherapy. 'While I feel that I was quite safe with the sun obviously being fair skinned, I do know that in my early 20s I was at many concerts and festivals and days out where I probably wasn't as good as I should be in applying sunscreen. 'When you're younger you think you're invincible and you don't think it's ever going to be you. You don't need to have prolonged exposure to the sun to get skin cancer. 'It's so important to sit in the shade where possible, cover up with clothing and apply sunscreen on exposed skin to protect yourself even when you do think it may be overcast.'
Extra.ie
5 days ago
- Health
- Extra.ie
Sunbed salons ‘openly flout ban on youngsters'
One in five tanning salons is accepting minors in 'flagrant breaches' of the law, as cancer charities have warned that children as young as First Communion age are using sunbeds. It comes as new data obtained by points to a negligent attitude to customer health in the tanning industry, with one third of formal salon inspections having been failed in the past two years. Responding to the revelations, the minister responsible for public health this weekend pledged to further examine banning sunbeds, calling the level of non-compliance 'unacceptable'. According to the Public Health (Sunbeds) Act 2014, it is illegal for businesses to allow under-18s to use tanning beds. The UV-emitting machines have been shown to increase the risk of skin cancer after just a single use. One in five tanning salons is accepting minors in 'flagrant breaches' of the law, as cancer charities have warned that children as young as First Communion age are using sunbeds. Pic:According to the Department of Health, the risk of melanoma is increased by 75% when sunbed use starts before the age of 35. The HSE, responsible for enforcing the safety legislation, sends supervised minors to tanning salons for 'test shops' as part of its enforcement strategy. Last year, 11 out of 50 salons subjected to that test allowed minors to buy time on a sunbed, according to figures provided by the HSE. In 2023, nine out of 47 salons tested were prepared to allow a minor to use their business. Bernie Carter, who is assistant director of nursing at the Marie Keating Foundation and leads a schools' programme and skin cancer awareness programme for the charity, said that there is 'definitely' an issue with minors illegally using sunbeds. Ms Carter told Extra: 'I was outside a particular [tanning salon] around Holy Communion time last year. There was a parent who was walking in with a very young child. We had our van parked close by, and that young child did come out looking darker.' The experienced oncology nurse, who contributes to the National Cancer Control Programme, said sunbeds pose a 'huge risk when it comes to skin cancer', and pointed to the approach of Australia, where commercial tanning salons are banned. Steve Dempsey, director of advocacy and communications at the Irish Cancer Society, said regulations around sunbeds 'and a lack of enforcement mean that minors are still accessing sunbeds'. It comes as new data obtained by points to a negligent attitude to customer health in the tanning industry, with one third of formal salon inspections having been failed in the past two years. He told Extra: 'We know this from our own research and from parents who contact us to say their child has used sunbeds in flagrant breaches of the regulations by commercial sunbed operators.' A spokesman for Minister of State at the Department of Health with special responsibility for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O'Connor, said she is 'deeply concerned by the data from the inspections'. The spokesman told Extra: 'Given the well-documented health risks associated with sunbed use, particularly for young people, this level of non-compliance is unacceptable. 'To address this issue, the minister, under the Programme for Government, has requested that officials in the Department of Health examine a ban on commercial sunbed use in Ireland. 'Additionally, the department will explore further public awareness campaigns to highlight the risks of sunbed use, especially targeting minors and their parents.' The lack of enforcement banning minors from using sunbeds was highlighted by Extra just over two years ago, when we reported just two salons in the entire country had been prosecuted under legislation introduced nine years previously. The HSE this weekend confirmed there have now been 10 prosecutions in total – less than one a year since the legislation was introduced. Taoiseach Micheál Martin has previously called for the banning of sunbeds, as have former health ministers Stephen Donnelly and the now Tánaiste Simon Harris. Pic:Ms Murnane O'Connor has also received representations on the matter from her former constituency colleague and now MEP Kathleen Funchion, and from Laura Warren, a skin cancer survivor and founder of Elite Living Nutrition, whose petition calling for a ban on sunbeds has collected almost 2,000 signatures. Pointing to the latest figures that show skin cancer is the fastest-growing cancer in Ireland, with over 13,000 new cases diagnosed each year, Ms Warren said: 'Melanoma can spread rapidly and is often deadly if not caught early. Banning sunbeds would save thousands of lives and millions in healthcare costs.' Aside from the tests at shops carried out with minors, the HSE conducts 'mystery shops' and formal inspections. Last year, 145 formal inspections out of 492 were non-compliant. In 2023, there were 175 non-compliant inspections from a total of 425. Taoiseach Micheál Martin has previously called for the banning of sunbeds, as have former health ministers Stephen Donnelly and the now Tánaiste Simon Harris.
Business Post
23-05-2025
- Health
- Business Post
All-island cancer summit issues an urgent call to action for political leaders
A full house was in Croke Park on Wednesday, May 14 for the inaugural All-Island Cancer Summit, which marked its presence with a call to action for political leaders on the island. The 'Harnessing the Power of Data to Transform Cancer Research, Care, and Innovation across the Island of Ireland' report was unveiled, including an 'All-Island Call to Cancer Data Action' plan, which details seven recommendations designed to fast-track digital transformation to deliver better health and wellbeing. The day began with summit chair Audrey Carville, journalist, broadcaster, and host of RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland, welcoming everyone to the room and noting how everyone in this room gives hope to those affected by cancer. The opening address came from Prof Risteárd Ó'Laoide, director of the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme, who detailed the work and effort and his hopes for the following cancer strategy. 'We've had three cancer strategies in ten-year intervals, and it's now time for our next cancer strategy,' he said. 'We want that to be our most ambitious one yet.' The opening keynote was given by Prof Christine Chomienne, vice-chair of Horizon Europe Cancer Mission Boards at the European Commission, who spoke about the European cancer roadmap for 2030. Highlighting the mission approach of connecting all stakeholders to design, create, and implement changes, she stressed the importance of integrating research and health and the fact that you cannot improve what you don't understand. This set the stage for the report's launch. First, Prof Deirdre Heenan, professor of social policy at Ulster University, provided context. One of the key elements in the study was emphasising the difference between cooperation and collaboration, saying '[Collaboration] is about getting together across this island, agreeing on strategic aims, funding them, and owning them together.' This was followed by Siobhan Gaynor, advocate and cancer patient; Mark Lawler, professor of digital health at Queen's University Belfast (QUB) and co-lead of the All Island Cancer Research Institute (AICRI); and Prof Aedín Culhane, professor of cancer genomics and director of the Limerick Digital Cancer Research Centre, who launched the report proper. Lawler mentioned that Northern Ireland's digital transformation took a great step forward with the recent launch of the My Care App. The service allows all Northern Ireland citizens to access their own health records on their phones for the first time. '[It's] a Thomas Edison moment that catapults Northern Ireland into the premier division with Estonia, Europe's digital trailblazer,' he added. 'Ireland needs to urgently progress its own digital health capability, currently decidedly second division, otherwise a generation-defining moment will be lost.' Professor Culhane guided the audience through the seven-point plan, adding that 'we need the right data so that we can make insights that will drive patient research'. It was then time for the day's first panel discussion on delivering an all-island cancer research strategy. This included Dr Deirdre Quinn, senior manager of research and research policy at HEA; Oonagh Ward, head of research and innovation infrastructures at the Health Research Board; Orlaith Gavan, country medical director and chief medical officer at Pfizer Ireland; and William Gallagher, professor of cancer biology at the School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science at UCD, and co-lead of AICRI. When asked how the pharmaceutical industry feeds into the development of an all-island strategy, Ward mentioned innovative drug discovery which is where scientific breakthroughs begin, and mentioned how well positioned Ireland is. The following panel discussion was on a wish list for policymakers on the island of Ireland. Lawler returned to the stage and was joined by Averil Power, chief executive of the Irish Cancer Society; David Jones, interim managing director of human health at MSD Ireland; and Mark McCormick, a cancer patient. Jones highlighted the troubling issue of accessibility to new treatments which could be greatly improved, with only 14 of 56 new European cancer treatments licensed here. Before the coffee break, it was time for the Northern Ireland Government Address delivered by Mike Nesbitt MLA, the health minister for Northern Ireland, who reinforced the importance of all-island collaboration to bring better treatment and care. After the networking coffee break and exhibition viewing, the audience split into three streams. The first stream focused on research and innovation, chaired by Carville. The first panel discussion looked at improving clinical trials in Ireland and saw Orlaith Gavan return to the stage alongside Patrick Kivlehan, chair of the patients' consultants committee at Cancer Trials Ireland; Prof Joe O'Sullivan, professor of radiation oncology at the Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research in Queen's University Belfast, and Prof Seamus O'Reilly, clinical professor and consultant medical oncologist at UCC and director of Cancer Trials Ireland The next talk saw another speaker return to the stage. This time, it was Professor Culhane, who spoke about how an all-island approach to data sharing can save lives. Next were case studies from START Dublin and Belfast Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, featuring Prof Austin Duffy, consultant medical oncologist at the Mater Hospital, and Vicky Coyle, clinical professor at the School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Biomedical Sciences at the Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research. Dr Margaret Barton-Burke, director of nursing research at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, wrapped up by discussing the various aspects of nursing research. Stream two focused on the next steps for early detection and improved diagnosis. It was chaired by Dr Paul Carroll, GP at Churchtown Medical and media commentator and columnist. This began with two case studies. The first was on breakthrough research from the All-Ireland Cancer Network (AllCaN) Oesophageal Programme, delivered by Helen Coleman, lead of the Cancer Epidemiology Research Group in the Centre for Public Health at Queen's University Belfast. The next was on The All Ireland Cancer Liquid Biopsies Consortium (CLuB) with Prof Lorraine O'Driscoll, professor and chair of pharmacology and biomedicine at Trinity College Dublin, guiding the audience through their work. To wrap up this stream, there was a panel discussion on how to better prioritise patients and outcomes. On stage discussing this were David Galvin, MD FRCS (Urol) and associate professor at UCD; Dr Damien Bennett, director of the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry; Kim Hanly, cancer survivor and patient advocate; and Liz Yeates, chief executive of the Marie Keating Foundation. The third stream was on treatment, access, and survivorship, chaired by Marie Chivers, PhD, MPharm, and chief executive and founder of Facilipharma Ltd. This began with a panel discussion on reducing inequalities in cancer care and access to proven-to-work treatments. Alex Wilkes, country president for commercial operations in Ireland for AstraZeneca; Andy Bleaden, communities director of ECHAlliance; Caitriona Duggan, vice president of IPHA; Dr Michael McCarthy, consultant medical oncologist at University Hospital Galway; and Liz Morrison, public affairs manager for Northern Ireland at Cancer Research UK discussed this topic. Next up was a case study on the Women's Health Initiative cancer survivorship clinic, delivered by Prof Josephine Hegarty, chair and professor of nursing at the Catherine McAuley School of Nursing and Midwifery at University College Cork. This was then followed by a panel discussion on putting the patient's experience at the centre of treatment and on what areas need improvement. Finishing up this stream were Dr Ben Jacob, clinical lecturer at the Department of General Practice in RCSI; Ethna McFerran, cancer health economist at the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences; Gerard Ingoldsby, cancer survivor and PPI (Public and Patient Involvement) volunteer at the Irish Cancer Society; and Una Kearns, founder and chief executive of myPatientSpace. After lunch, all attendees returned to the main room for the afternoon sessions, which focused on the future of cancer care. This kicked off with a panel discussion on the role and potential of shared care community-based cancer care in Ireland, which featured Amy Nolan, director of clinical affairs at Irish Cancer Society; Dr Michael McCarthy, consultant medical oncologist at University Hospital Galway; and Lisa Guinan, oncology services manager at TCP Homecare. Guinan highlighted how many of these pilot projects don't advance because they're reliant on funding for 12 to 18 months, adding: 'What happens to our health care teams and the acute setting when the funding runs dry because there is no sustainable pathway for accessing funding in the long term?' The next panel discussion moved on to technological innovation, where the buzzword of the day, AI, was in full focus. This included Miriam Staunton, patient advocate; Ronan Cahill, professor of surgery at the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital and University College Dublin; Walter Kolch, director of Systems Biology Ireland, and Xosé M Fernández, head of digital oncology network for Europe at IQVIA. When discussing the importance of data interoperability, Fernández mentioned that data alone will not be the solution, but stressed the importance of aiming to be the best in class rather than just good enough. The final panel discussion of the day and wrapping up the summit was on future drug discovery, where Michelle Greene, senior research fellow at the Future Medicines Institute in Queen's University Belfast; Prof Ed Lavelle, professor of vaccine immunology at Trinity College Dublin; and William Gallagher, professor of cancer biology at the School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science in UCD and co-lead at AICRI took the stage. Asked about the insights and impacts from AICRI's All-Island Oncology Industry Report, Gallagher mentioned that, alongside the challenges, it highlights major economic potential to develop an oncology cluster. With the first-ever All-Island Cancer Summit concluding, Carville wrapped it up by saying, 'We return to that word hope, such great hope from all of our conversations,' before concluding, 'It's exciting times, but there's lots to do.'
Agriland
21-05-2025
- Health
- Agriland
HSA urges farmers and outdoor workers to prioritise sun safety
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has urged those working in agriculture and other outdoor professions to prioritise sun safety over the summer months. As the warmer months approach, the authority is reinforcing the importance of sun protection for outdoor workers. The HSA said that sun protection should be used even when skies are overcast. Under health and safety legislation, employers have a duty to manage the risks associated with sun exposure and implement measures to protect against this natural source of UV radiation. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ireland and the number of people being diagnosed with skin cancer is rising. The HSA is encouraging employers, the self-employed, and employees to take 'practical, preventative steps' to reduce the risks of sun exposure. Many jobs, including those in construction, agriculture, horticulture, couriers and postal workers, waste collection and fisheries, involve prolonged outdoor activity, increasing exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and the associated risks of skin cancer, eye damage and heat-related illnesses. Helen Hourihane, senior inspector with the HSA, said: 'Even on overcast days, ultraviolet radiation can still be at levels that pose a real risk to anyone working outside for long periods. 'It's a common misconception that cloud cover offers full protection. This simply isn't the case. 'When the UV index is 3 or above above, protective measures are needed when working outdoors. In Ireland this is typically between 11:00a.m to 3:00p.m, April to September,' Hourihane explained. The HSA, in partnership with the Health Service Executive (HSE) National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), provide tools and resources for employers in how to ensure their employees are protected. The HSA recommends the following measures for employers: Evaluate UV exposure risks: Review outdoor work routines and environments to identify where workers are at risk; Plan the work: Where feasible, arrange outdoor duties to reduce the time and intensity of exposure to direct sunlight when the UV is strongest; Provide shade: Seek and provide shade where possible, and ensure break areas are provided in shaded or covered locations; Protect skin: Wear suitable clothing such as long-sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, neck-flaps and sunglasses; Supply sunscreen: Make SPF 30+, broad-spectrum sunscreen available and promote its regular use; Training and awareness: Give workers information on the dangers of UV exposure and how to protect themselves. Advise them to self-check skin for any changes and unusual moles or spots. Employees, meanwhile, should take the following protective steps: Dress for the sun: Wear clothing and accessories that shield the skin and eyes from harmful rays; Apply sunscreen regularly: Use SPF 30+ sunscreen at least 20 minutes before outdoor activity and reapply often, especially after sweating; Stay in the shade when possible: Use natural or provided shelter during rest periods; Drink plenty of water: Keep hydrated throughout the day to prevent heat stress. Maria McEnery, cancer prevention officer at the HSE NCCP, commented: 'Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ireland and is largely preventable by protecting skin with clothing, shade and sunscreen. 'We strongly encourage all outdoor workers to utilise the extensive guidance, tools and awareness materials to help protect themselves and safeguard their health,' McEnery added.
