Don’t Cook Yourself

Don't Cook Yourself

Wear Suncream To Keep Skin Cancer Off The Menu

Unlike your barbecue, you won’t know you’re burning until it’s too late. It only takes minutes to get cooked by the sun - even in Ireland - and every sunburn dramatically increases your risk of skin cancer. We have one of the highest death rates from melanoma skin cancer in Europe, and the last thing you want is a barbecue to die for.

A BBQ Essential

Ahead of marinades, meat rubs, or cooking sprays, the most essential ingredient for any barbecue under the sun is an SPF 30+ suncream. Making it part of your ritual every time you're getting ready to barbecue will help ensure the only thing that might burn is what's on the grill. 90% of all skin cancer cases are preventable, and it only takes minutes to make sure you're covered. 

Anti-Cooking Instructions

  • Use an SPF 30+ sunscreen for adults that protects against both UVA and UVB rays
  • Apply the cream onto any area of your skin that the sun could cook
  • Repeat every 2 hours if it’s a long lunch or you’re cooking for a cast of thousands
  • For best results, i.e. crucial protection, you should also cover up, wear a hat, BBQ in the shade between 11am and 3pm and wear sunglasses
  • Even on a slightly overcast day, 90% of UV rays can get through clouds, so even if you can't see the sun it can still burn you
  • If you can’t take the heat, get into the kitchen

Cooking Times

On days when the UV index is moderate to high, your unprotected skin can get cooked by the sun faster than you can cook most BBQ foods. So if you're keeping a close eye on your food, keep yourself well protected too.

 

Burned or Worried?

If you're worried about a suspicious looking mole on yourself or someone else or have any questions about skin cancer, here are some additional resources to help you know what to look out for.

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