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Or create a free account to join the discussion Advertisement More Stories Gibney is a Social Democrats TD for Dublin RathdownAlamy Stock Photo Skin Cancer ‘I feel very different in the sun now’: Sinéad Gibney says melanoma diagnosis had ‘big impact’ Gibney, who just turned 50, said that when she was growing up in the late 70s and early 80s, it was “normal” to be unprotected in the sun. 2.46pm, 29 May 2026 Share options SINÉAD GIBNEY SAID she’s had a “tough few months” after
getting diagnosed with melanoma last summer. The Social Democrats TD told David McCullagh on RTÉ that the diagnosis had a “big impact” on her, and she now wants to help raise awareness about the damage sun exposure can do. Melanoma is considered the most serious form of skin cancer, but it is highly curable if caught early. Gibney said she found a suspect mole last year, which she had removed. When it was found to be cancerous, she had to undergo a wide incision, which
removes tissue in the area to help prevent cancer recurrence. Fortunately, the cancer had not entered her lymphatic system. Another mole was later identified and removed. It was found to be benign. “It’s been a tough few months,” Gibney said. “It’s not pleasant dealing with melanoma.” She’s been left with a 20 cm scar on her arm from surgery. UV exposure Gibney, who just turned 50, said that when she was growing up in the late 70s and early 80s, it was “normal” to be
unprotected in the sun. “Peeling was my favourite thing to do on holiday,” she quipped. “In my childhood I definitely burned.” Advertisement Gibney also had severe psoriasis throughout her teenage years and her 20s, for which she received UV treatment. “I actually have two decades of sunbed treatments – hospital administered sunbed treatments,” she said. “It’s different to commercial [sunbeds] but it still does contribute.” Gibney says she doesn’t want people who use sunbeds for aesthetic reasons to be judged, “but the reality is that
these products are dangerous”. Changing habits Gibney said that while she is “out the other side” now and only needs routine monitoring, the diagnosis changed how she engages with the sun. “I wouldn’t say I’ve been terribly diligent (with sunscreen before), but I never really sat in the sun,” she said. “I always did burn, so it was never really my kind of activity.” She said right after she was diagnosed she was due to go to the United States on summer holiday, but she
had to change her plans while she figured out how she would take care of her skin. “It’s not just sun cream for me now. I want to properly cover myself with clothes in the sun,” she said. “I feel very different now in the sun. I feel the damage that it’s doing. “I look very differently on my loved ones who are going brown this week.” She said it’s taken her time to “process” her cancer journey, but she now wants to speak about
it, so that others can understand the risks the sun poses. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone. A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Support The Journal Mairead Maguire Send Tip or Correction Embed this post To embed this post, copy the code below on your site Email “’I feel very
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Sinéad Gibney, melanoma, skin cancer, sun exposure, RTÉ, Social Democrats, psoriasis, UV treatment, sunbeds, scar, early detection