It’s vital we raise awareness of skin cancer prevention – Lombard

Fine Gael Senator Tim Lombard has said the publication of a new Government policy will help raise awareness of skin cancer.

“I am very pleased that Minister Harris has published the new policy on skin cancer. I have been petitioning the Government to reduce the VAT rate on sun cream products for months.

“Hopefully now the policy is in place the Government will be able to reduce the VAT rate for sun cream and launch an awareness campaign to help drive down the 11,000 diagnoses we have here annually.

“Early detection is vitally important for treatment of skin cancer. The Irish Cancer Society says that If spotted early, up to 90% of cases are curable.

“I believe that if we made sun cream cheap and plentiful we can go some way to changing Irish people’s approach to the care of their skin.

“We all know that prevention is better than cure, it is essential that people are armed with the knowledge and the tools to help them combat skin cancer.

“From farmers working in the field to people sitting out in their back gardens, you need to make sure you are wearing the appropriate factor for your skin type.

“This new policy is very important to me as I lost my own brother Ger to skin cancer in 2009.  I hope it leads to less families having to go through similar loss.

“Remember it is vital that you check your skin regularly and bring it to the attention of your doctor if you’re concerned, “Senator Lombard said.