Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 30 Jan 2002

Vol. 547 No. 1

Written Answers. - Health Promotion Unit.

Cecilia Keaveney

Ceist:

667 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Health and Children the efforts being made by the health promotion unit to raise awareness of the possible implications of moles and to communicate the dangers associated with melanoma; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2603/02]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The health promotion unit of my Department works closely with a range of statutory and voluntary groups to ensure that people have the information and the support to make healthy lifestyle choices. The unit supports an extensive range of initiatives organised by the Irish Cancer Society, a number of which have an impact on the levels of knowledge and awareness of the risk factors associated with many cancers including melanomas.

This support enables the society to organise an information and awareness campaign entitled Sunsmart. This begins in May each year, just before the holiday season gets underway. The campaign provides information packs and leaflets to those who are travelling abroad and to those who remain in Ireland. These materials provide comprehensive information on the nature, incidence and causes of skin cancers. Methods of identification are discussed and pictures depicting moles, etc, are shown. The leaflets also provide guidance on what to do in the case of a suspected skin cancer.

The health boards through the health promotion officers assist the Irish Cancer Society in the distribution of these information packs to pharmacies, health centres, etc.