Skin Cancer with Peter Meagher on Pat Kenny

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon, Peter Meagher joined Pat Kenny on Newstalk this week.

Mr Meagher spoke to Pat about prevention, the signs, symptoms to look out for and some common treatments.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ireland with over 13,000 cases each year. This figure is expected to double by 2040 according to the National Cancer Registry of Ireland.

In Ireland, 30% of cancer cases are skin cancer. Melanoma skin cancers are more serious and can be more challenging to treat. However, the majority of skin cancer cases are non-melanoma, and are treatable and curable.

While discussing the different types of skin cancers, Peter Meagher also shared the ABCDE Melanoma Identification Method for moles.

            A – Asymmetry: round or symmetrical shape?

            B – Border: is it uniform?

            C – Colour: change, or fragmented colour?

            D – Diameter: greater than 6mm?

            E – Evolution: change in colour, size or shape?

Mr Peter Meagher stressed that prevention and early intervention are key. Fair skin especially needs to be protected from sun exposure and overcast days are the same as sunny days. Always remember to wear sun screen no matter the weather.

If you have any concerns about your skin, visit your GP.

Listen to the full piece with Peter Meagher here.