Skin cancer cases soar to over 10,000 in Ireland for the first time
Skin cancer cases in Ireland have now reached over 10,000 annually for the first time, according to the Irish Cancer Society who today launched their annual SunSmart campaign. The Society is urging the public to be SunSmart over the coming months and reduce their risk of skin cancer following a report* from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI) which highlights the high levels of skin cancer in Ireland.
The NCRI data reveals that the number of diagnosed new cases of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer in this country reached over 10,000 for the first time in 2011. This marked an 81 per cent increased incidence since records began in 1994. The recent study conducted by the NCRI into non-melanoma skin cancer in this country highlighted the largest increase in skin cancer cases was found in young people who live in affluent urban settings who are exposed to repeated sunburn, probably from leisure activities. There were 408 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer in those aged 15-44 in 2005 compared to in 2011 where there were 569 cases in the same age group, an increase of 39 per cent.
While this incidence rate may seem low, skin cancer is the most common cancer in this age group and the increase in incidence is a great cause for concern. Despite the low mortality from this type of cancer, the cost of diagnosis, treatment and on-going monitoring will incur significant cost to the state.
Skin cancer can be prevented in nine out of ten cases by protecting the skin from harmful UV rays in Ireland from April to September. The Society is encouraging the public to follow the four steps of the SunSmart Code for the best protection and to check the Society’s UV Index daily to find out how high UV levels are in their area:
The SunSmart Code
- SEEK SHADE: when UV rays are at their strongest – between 11am and 3pm
- COVER UP: by wearing a shirt with a collar and long shorts. Also wear a hat that gives shade to your face, neck and ears
- WEAR WRAPAROUND SUNGLASSES: make sure they give UV protection
- SLOP ON SUNSCREEN: Use sunscreen with SPF 15 (SPF30 for children) or higher and UVA protection 20 minutes before going outside and re-apply every two hours – more often if swimming or perspiring.
- Keep babies under six months out of the sun.
The UV Index
If the UV Index is three or higher it is important to protect the skin when outdoors by following the SunSmart Code.
Rosemary Scott, Health Promotion Officer at the Irish Cancer Society said: “Skin cancer is not seen by many as an issue in this country but this is far from the truth. It is our most common cancer. Despite our cool and cloudy weather UV rays can reach skin most days from April to September and cause damage that increases the risk of skin cancer. Traditionally people who worked outdoors were more at risk of non-melanoma skin cancer but in recent years this trend has changed. City dwellers, with intermittent sun exposure, are now more at risk from sunburn and greater numbers are presenting to their doctor with skin cancer each year. When people think of sunburn many only think of raw, peeling and blistering skin but any redness caused by the sun is sunburn and increases skin cancer risk. We all need to act now to reduce our risk; follow the SunSmart code and check the UV index online daily”.
Harry Comber, Director of the National Cancer Registry of Ireland, said: “Ireland has the highest reported incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer in Europe. This may be because in Ireland, we currently have more complete records of cases than many other European countries. We also have to consider other factors such as our highly sun-sensitive skin type and as we don’t have much sun regularly, it is natural that people are not accustomed to protecting themselves against it. There is also a desire in many Irish people to get a so called ‘healthy tan’ and a lot of Irish people go abroad specifically for ‘sun holidays’. Whatever the reason is behind our high incidence of skin cancer, it is clear that more of our young people are getting skin cancer. We need to encourage them to act now to reduce their risk.”
Anyone who is concerned about skin cancer can visit our SunSmart pages here or call the National Cancer Helpline on Freefone 1800 200 700 to speak to a specialist cancer nurse who can offer information and support.
