Action Cancer, Northern Ireland's leading cancer charity, recently brought their 'Safe Sun' campaign to Castle Coole in Enniskillen.

Despite the distinct lack of warm sunshine, this summer Action Cancer, in partnership with Gordon's Chemist, is taking the 'Safe Sun' Roadshow to ten locations across the North this summer.

At each location, including Enniskillen, the Action Cancer Health Promotion Team provide locals with guidelines on how to enjoy the sun safely and provide advice and information on skin cancer to prepare people for any foreign holidays.

The Action Cancer skin scanner was also available on the day and meant that people could check their skin damage and become aware of how the sun has affected them.

ABROAD

Skin Cancer is the most common cancer in Northern Ireland, accounting for one in four of all cancers. However, research has shown that many people only apply suncream when they go abroad.

Research has shown that most people apply only enough sunscreen to achieve up to 50% of the sun protection factor expected from the product label, so the message from Action Cancer is to apply it thickly and re-apply often to ensure adequate protection.

Action Cancer Health Promotion Officer Gareth Beattie said, "Many people are unaware of the need to protect themselves from skin damage while at home and Action Cancer feel it's important that this message gets through as we have such a high incidence of skin cancer in Northern Ireland.

"We would encourage people to enjoy the sun but to remember to apply the right protection, regularly and thickly. We would especially encourage mums and dads to protect children as studies indicate that sunburn during childhood can double a person's risk of skin cancer."

Helena Buchanan, Gordon's Chemist said, "As Northern Ireland's largest independently owned pharmacy chain, we are delighted to be involved in this pioneering and innovative care in the sun campaign. We recognise that people here are prepared to apply sunscreen while going abroad yet at home the same precautions are not taken."

Action Cancer is a local Northern Ireland charity, founded in 1973, and its mission is 'Saving Lives Supporting People'. It relies heavily on donations from the public and business communities to provide a range of vital, life-saving services, including early detection clinics, health promotion, research, counselling and complementary therapies.

Further information on skin cancer and the 'Safe Sun Roadshow' is available by visiting www.actioncancer.org