New national report shows skin cancer is on the rise

As the country continues to bask in sunshine, a new report published by the National Cancer Registry shows that skin cancer is on the rise in Ireland.

The latest report published by the Nation Cancer Registry shows that almost 11,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed every year in Ireland, of which just under 1,000 are malignant melanoma. The NCRI report shows that Ireland's rates of non-melanoma skin cancer (usually regarded as the less serious form of skin cancer) is 46 percent higher in men than in women, while the incidence of melanoma is similar between the sexes with approximately 20 cases diagnosed per 100,000 persons per year. Statistics show that melanoma death rates are on the increase, with approximately 160 deaths every year - showing an increase from less than 20 deaths per year during the 1950s. Since 1994, melanoma related deaths have increased by 2.3 percent per year in women and 4.7 percent per year in men. However, survival rates have increased when compared with the same period - thought to be as a result of improvements in treatment for late stage tumours and more people seeking medical attention in earlier stages of the disease. The recently published National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 outlines the government's plans for cancer prevention and control and prioritises the development of a national skin cancer prevention plan targeting children, outdoor workers and enthusiasts, and sunbed users.