Rates of killer skin cancer up 80%

INCIDENTS of malignant melanoma, the most threatening form of skin cancer, have risen by 80% in 10 years among adults under 50, according to figures from the National Cancer Registry (NCRI).

Overall skin cancer rates have risen by more than a third in the same period, from 1997 to 2007, according to the NCRI.

Health experts urged sun-worshippers to take precautions as almost 8,000 people were diagnosed with skin cancer in 2007.

The Irish Cancer Society warned Ireland was one of the worst countries in Europe for malignant melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. It develops in cells in the outer layers of the skin and can grow from a mole, freckle or a normal part of the skin.

There was an 84% jump in the number of malignant melanoma cases in men and a 75% increase in women under the age of 50 in the 10 years to 2007, according to data from the NCRI.

Norma Cronin, health promotion manager of the Irish Cancer Society, said: “People may think that skin cancer happens in other countries, not in Ireland due to our climate.

“But 80%-85% of UV rays pass through clouds and Ireland has the third-highest rate of malignant melanoma in the EU. You may be outdoors watching sport, doing the gardening or just sitting in the park... Don’t let UV rays catch you out.”

The Irish Cancer Society said it could not tell why there was such an increase, but speculated the rise in women could be due in part to the popularity of sun- beds.

Health Minister Mary Harney is considering banning the use of sunbeds for anyone under the age of 18.

Ms Cronin urged people to check their skin regularly and look out for any changes.

“If you notice a mole change in shape, colour or size, get it checked by your GP,” she said.

The cancer data reveals:

There were 7,743 new cases of skin cancer in 2007 compared with 5687 in 1997 – a 36% jump.

In 2007, there were 667 new cases of malignant melanoma skin cancer, 313 in men and 354 in women.

There were 7,076 new cases of non-melanoma skin cancer. Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most common and easily treated type of cancer.

There has been a 32% increase in the number of cases of non-melanoma skin cancer in males and a 36% increase in women over the past 10 years.

The Irish Cancer Society said 80%-90% of skin cancer cases are preventable by being careful and avoiding sunbeds. The society is to roll out SunSmart a national radio awareness campaign.

Meanwhile, a major international cancer conference – Enhancing Cancer Cure Through Patient-Focused Healthcare and Research – begins in Dublin tomorrow, bringing together experts from home and abroad.