Skin cancer is on the increase among young people in Ireland despite the fact that this disease can be prevented in the vast majority of cases, the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) has warned.

It recently launched its annual SunSmart campaign, which urges people to look after their skin when outdoors over the summer months.

It noted that a report from National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI) revealed that between 1994 and 2011, the biggest increase in cases of non-melanoma skin cancer occured in younger people.

Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Ireland, with around 6,300 new cases every year.

According to the NCRI report, incidence figures for basel cell carcinoma and squamour cell carcinoma - two types of non-melanoma skin cancer - jumped by 72% among females and 53% among males aged 34 or under.

The ICS acknowledged that the overall incidence of skin cancer is lower in younger people than in older people, however it expressed concern about the NCRI report, particularly as anyone who has been diagnosed with skin cancer is at an increased risk of developing the disease again.

Skin cancer takes around 10 to 15 years to develop. Protection of the skin in childhood and adolescence is essential as those who experience sunburn in their younger years have an increased risk of developing melanoma later on, which is the most deadly type of skin cancer.

"Among young people in their 20s and 30s, we are seeing a developing pattern of rising non-melanoma skin cancer most likely from repeated sunburn during leisure activities. It's important to remember the real dangers of even mild sunburn and tanning from recreational sun exposure and sunbeds. While the sunburn or the tan may fade, the damage remains and this can lead to skin cancer," commented the ICS's cancer prevention manager, Kevin O'Hagan.

Meanwhile, the NCRI report also noted an increasing incidence of skin cancer among people living in affluent urban settings. Mr O'Hagan said that this could be due to lifestyle and outdoor activities.

"These activities, such as playing outdoor sports or going on holidays abroad, can lead to irregular high levels of sun exposure. In contrast, those living in rural locations may be more likely to have a low level of exposure on a more ongoing basis, have a lower tendency to holiday abroad and have less access to sunbeds," he commented.

The ICS is calling on people to look after their skin in the coming months. The SunSmart Code urges people to:
-Seek shade when UV rays are at their strongest (between 11am and 3pm)
-Wear long shorts and shirts with collars, a hat that gives shade to the face, neck and ears and wraparound sunglasses that provide UV protection
-Use plenty of sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 for adults and 30 for children. Apply 20 minutes before going outside and re-apply every two hours, more often if swimming or perspiring
-Keep babies under six months of age out of the sun.