Men twice as likely to shun sunscreen
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Men are twice as likely to forget to use sunscreen as women, according to a new survey.
Men are far less likely than women to protect their skin in the sun, research has found.
The survey revealed that men are twice as likely to forget sunscreen than women with 14pc of them opting to forego the protection compared to just 7pc of women.
Irish consultant dermatologist, Doctor Rosemary Coleman, said that she found it difficult to persuade men to wear sunscreen. "Men tend to think that they are exempt from skin cancer and that public health warnings do not apply to them," she said.
"They don't want to walk out looking slightly whiter because of sun block.
"Because women are more aware of the ageing effects of sun, they tend to be more careful. There are no excuses for men anymore. There is an extensive range of sun blocks out there made especially for men," said Dr Coleman. According to the National Cancer Registry of Ireland, in 2007 there were 7,743 new cases of skin cancer.
Holidays
The figure represents an increase of 36pc compared to 1997, when there were 5,687 new diagnoses.
"We have noticed that Irish people would wear protection when on holidays abroad but not in Ireland. That is a huge mistake, especially now with the lovely weather."
Dr Coleman warned that no sunscreen provides 100pc protection. She added: "The moment you start to feel that your skin is hot or burning, get out of the sun, cover your skin.
"The damage is already done and re-applying sun block is not going to help."
- Carolina Ferreira
