Skin Cancer prevention strategy northern ireland 2011 to 2012 The overall long-term aim of the strategy is to reduce the incidence of skin cancer and deaths from it among people in Northern Ireland. Priority Groups: children and young adults; and people who spend a significant amount of time outdoors including, those who regularly participate in outdoor sports. Implementing the strategy Louise Herron, PHA
OBJECTIVES To increase public awareness regarding the dangers of overexposure to UV radiation from sunlight and from artificial tanning devices. To reduce overall use of artificial tanning devices. To increase individual and organisation-wide practice of sun safety behaviours. To increase awareness about the early signs of skin cancer and the need for prompt attention. To encourage earlier detection and treatment of malignant melanomas. To promote further research into knowledge, attitudes and behaviour and the epidemiology of skin cancer. 6 objectives, 23 actions Developed by DoH but aims and objectives cannot be delivered by Health alone or by one organisation requires co-ordinated multi sectoral approach Reflected in the development of structures
Structures Joint co-chairs (Cancer Focus and Public Health Agency) Skin Cancer Prevention Co-ordinator Multi-sectoral Steering Group 4 Subgroups Annual Action Plan The Public Health Agency (PHA) was established in April 2009 as part of the reforms to Health and Social Care (HSC) in Northern Ireland. The major regional organisation for health protection and health and social wellbeing improvement. Our role also commits us to addressing the causes and associated inequalities of preventable ill-health and lack of wellbeing. We are a multi-disciplinary, multi-professional body. Report findings through Director of Public Health to DoH. Mid term review published in 2017 – 6 recommendations which were incorporated into the Annual Action Plan
membership Cancer Focus Public Health Agency (PHA) Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCT) Department of Health (DoH) District Councils Primary Care Patient / people with lived experience representatives Norther Ireland Cancer Registry (NICR) Education Health and Safety Executive, NI Multi sectoral partnership approach Evidence based Shares learning regionally - Allows opportunities to improve regional learning and consistency, whilst recognising local needs
Subgroups Public Awareness Sunbeds Sun Safe Behaviour Early Detection Annual Action plan – currently 39 tasks, each allocated to a subgroup with associated timescale
Future? Current Strategy until 2021 Cancer Strategy for NI? Funding
THANK YOU! go raibh maith agaibh thenks