May is Melanoma Awareness Month which is a global initiative supported by La Roche-Posay to promote the early detection and prevention of skin cancer. At a recent press conference launching the initiative, MummyPages was shocked to learn that 1 in 8 men will develop skin cancer. What is even more shocking is that, while skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland, 90% of cases of skin cancer are preventable.
As we all know men tend to be stubborn and need a push (or a kick!) before they go to a doctor. So it’s up to us mums to make sure the men in our lives are taking care of their skin. You probably know your partner’s skin better than anyone and will notice if there is something abnormal – so if you spot something, insist that he get it checked out (if this means hiding the remote for a week then do it). Also, make sure when the sun is out that he wears sunscreen. This might sound like you’re ‘babying’ your partner, but 47% of Irish men confess to never wearing sunscreen, proving that we do need to encourage our men to protect their skin.
In Ireland, La Roche-Posay are once again driving the month-long awareness campaign, alongside the Melanoma Trust, the Irish Cancer Society, Dr. Patrick Ormand Consultant Dermatologist and with the support of the Department of Health. SOS Save Our Skin is an initiative that works to address the increasing problem of skin cancer in Ireland. This year the campaign is focusing on men, and SOS Save Our Skin has created a public awareness campaign video to talk to men about skin safety. (Scroll down to watch this lovely video from La Roche-Posay).
Safe sun behaviour involves taking the right steps to protect your skin. Learn to do a skin check and wear an appropriate sunscreen (we recommend La Roche-Posay’s sun protection range, Anthelios). La Roche-Posay is urging the Irish public to look out for new lumps, growths or changes to existing moles, and also to be vigilant about monitoring your moles. If you notice anything unusual, go straight to a doctor or dermatologist to have it checked.
Visit www.sossaveourskin.ie to learn more about skin cancer, sun safety and how to diagnose your personal risk level, self-check moles, and use their mole map. By joining the SOS Save Our Skin Cause at www.sossaveourskin.ie, La Roche-Posay will make a donation on your behalf to the Melanoma Trust.
