Male skin cancer diagnoses up 21% in five years

Male skin cancer diagnoses have surged by 21% in just five years, a major national awareness campaign has warned.

Details revealed by VHI healthcare as part of the month-long Blue September cancer prevention campaign show that approximately 700 more men were being diagnosed with the condition today than half a decade ago.

According to the figures, in 2009, a total of 3,200 men were treated for skin cancer, which despite our less than sun-kissed weather is one of the most common types of cancer in Ireland because people fail to take precautions.

However, by the end of 2013, the rate had surged to more than 3,900 — a 21.6% increase.

While it is unclear whether the rise is the result of more people taking risks with their health or due to improved access to screening, and therefore diagnosis, VHI stressed the condition can be successfully treated.

The figures were released as part of Blue September, a campaign to encourage men to be more aware of their chances of developing cancer.

www.blueseptember.ie