Farmers urged to take care in the sun
The Northern Trust in partnership with the Northern Commissioning Group and the Ulster Farmers’ Union are reminding farmers to take care in the sun and to be aware of skin cancer and its dangers.
Tending animals and crops is an all year, all weather part of the job for farmers and agricultural workers. There is no doubt that a little sunshine, warmth and light makes things a lot more pleasant.
Good weather, however, brings its own problems. Busy working schedules on the farm in the summer months often mean that it is just not possible to stay out of the sun in the hours either side of midday when the rays are at their strongest.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Northern Ireland with around 2,500 people diagnosed each year. Most skin cancers are linked to excessive exposure to sunlight. Tanning and sunburn are both signs of skin damage. In comparison to office workers, outdoor workers, including farmers are exposed to greater levels of the ultraviolet radiation that causes most skin cancers
Senior Health Promotion Officer Yvonne Carson said, “There may be a perception that people become ‘hardened’ to the sun or that the weather in Northern Ireland is not hot enough to present a health risk especially since the past few summers have not had prolonged periods of hot dry weather. However, over-exposure to the sun can increase the risk of farmers and other outdoor workers developing skin cancer, especially if they have fair hair, pale skin, are freckly or burn easily.”
Dr Brian Hunter a Rural GP and Chair of the Northern Commissioning Group, is well aware of the health issues affecting his patients. He has worked closely with the Northern Trust and Ulster Farmers’ Union on various projects aimed at improving health outcomes for farming families.
He said, “Small amounts of sunshine on a regular basis can be beneficial. However everyone should avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, and it is important to remember that the sun’s rays are at their strongest between 11am and 3pm.
“Over the years I have treated younger patients who have exposed large areas of their skin to the sun.
“Although some cancers can take up to 20 years to develop it’s vital that young people protect their skin now as cancerous change can take place sooner in some people. A sunscreen of at least SPF 15 or higher is recommended.
“Older people can sustain cancerous change to their face and arms as they have had more chronic exposure through the years to the sun.
“I would urge everyone to check their skin regularly for any changes to moles or freckles. If you notice a new coloured spot or a change in a mole or freckle (growing larger, having a ragged edge or irregular outline or change in colour), seek medical attention. If in doubt, check it out. Most skin cancers are curable if diagnosed early”.
UFU Policy Officer, Kate Cairns; "There is probably a 'degree of complacency' that the weather in this country is not good enough to present a health risk. Indeed, because Northern Ireland is generally considered as 'sun-starved', most of the year, farmers tend to strip off when the sun appears. Over-exposure to the sun is a serious health risk and we would endorse the importance of covering up when working outdoors."
If you are working outside there are several simple steps that you can take to enjoy the sun safely and help protect yourself and your family from sunburn and the risk of skin cancer:
- Cover up with cool comfortable clothing that protects shoulders, arms and legs – clothing forms a barrier to the sun’s harmful rays.
- A wide brimmed hat will provide protection for the face by shading the nose, neck, ears and lips
- If possible, limit the time you are in the sun around midday.
- Even in Northern Ireland it is important to use sunscreen and sun block. A sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher is recommended.
- Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Remember children’s skin is delicate, burns easily and also needs protection with a high factor sunscreen or sunblock. Skin that is not protected in the sun can lead to sun damage or even skin cancer in later life.
For further information visit websites www.careinthesun.org or www.hseni.gov.uk
Page last updated:07 July 2010
