4 days Ago By Jodie McCormack
AN outdoor worker has issued a major warning after being diagnosed with skin cancer at just 33 years old. Paul revealed he received the melanoma diagnosis after noticing a freckle on his ear had changed. The Donegal man teamed up with the HSE to share his story and urge people to be vigilant for skin cancer symptoms .
He stressed the importance of knowing what your skin usually looks like so you can identify any changes . In a video from the HSE as part of their SunSmart campaign, Paul shared his diagnosis story saying: "I was diagnosed with having a melanoma skin cancer on my ear at the age of 33. "In December 2023 I noticed a freckle had slightly changed on my ear and it turned into a wee brown spot.
"I passed no heed as I was back boxing at the time and I thought maybe I just got hit on the ear." However, Paul revealed when the spot was still there after a few months a friend questioned him and warned it could be melanoma. The friend told Paul: "You know that's not good if something appears like that it could be a melanoma.
" After doing some research following the friend's warning Paul made an appointment with his doctor to get it checked. The doctor told Paul the signs they would look for are shape, size, colour, pattern and colour and all were present. Paul had been working outdoors since he was 16 and admitted he had not been protecting his skin over the years.
0utdoor workers are exposed to two to three times more UV rays than people who work indoors. Figures from the Central Statistics Office suggests almost one in four skin cancer deaths in Ireland are from the construction, outdoor and farming industries. The Donegal native was referred to a plastic surgeon team in Roscommon hospital and was told the spot would be removed.
Paul said: "They sent it away for a biopsy and a few weeks later it came back as an invasive melanoma. "I had to go back down to get more removed from my ear and they had to take a skin graft from behind my left ear to fill the hole in my right ear. "I had plasters and bandages on both my ears for six weeks and both ears have healed well.
" Paul now has regular checks every three months for two years and after that will need to be checked every year for the rest of his life. He has also been advised to wear hats and sunscreen from now on as he is at a higher risk of getting another skin cancer diagnosis. The HSE recommend a number of things you can do to protect your skin while outdoors.
You should wear clothing that covers your skin such as long sleeve tops or collared shirts. You should also be wearing a wide brimmed hat while outdoors, for outdoor workers this can be a wide brimmed hard hat with a neck flap. You should also be using sunglasses to protect you from UV rays.
It is extremely important to apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher 20 minutes before going outside and reapply at least every two hours. You will need to reapply more frequently if you are sweating. You should also seek shade and avoid being directly in the sunlight at peak UV index times of between 11am to 3pm.
The Irish Cancer Society have outlined a list of melanoma symptoms to be aware of including: They also advise using the ABCDE acronym when checking your skin. Survivor Paul has now warned: "Everyone should protect their skin when outside but especially outdoor workers as we're exposed to UV from the sun all year round. "My message to anyone listening is to know what your skin normally looks like and check your skin and moles regularly for changes, as this will help you spot a possible melanoma at the earliest possible stage.
"Contact your GP if you notice any changes to your skin that are causing you concern.".
