Skin Cancer Rates Soar

Rates of the deadliest form of skin cancer have risen in Northern Ireland, with sunshine holidays (pictured) and increased sunbed use being partly blamed.

Fresh research from Queen's University has underlined that cases of malignant melanoma have almost tripled since the mid-1980s.

The new figures show that nearly 260 cases of the skin cancer were recorded in 2006 compared with 80 in 1984.

The research also found that melanoma is more common in women than men in Northern Ireland.

Dr Anna Gavin, Director of the Northern Ireland Cancer Network, said: "The figures are alarming and reflect increased exposure of skin to damaging UV rays from the sun and sunbeds."

The report also found a significant rise in cases among younger people in 2006, with a third aged under 50 at the time of diagnosis.

Nine cases were found in people aged under 25, according to the 'Care of Patients with Malignant Melanoma of Skin in Northern Ireland 2006' report.

Positively though, it found that people in Northern Ireland have one of the best survival rates for the cancer in Europe, with 98.8% of patients alive one year after being diagnosed.

Melanoma specialist Dr Maureen Walsh commented that medical professionals need to focus even more on highlighting early warning signs.

"These include the size of a mole or spot increasing to greater than the blunt end of a pencil, or a spot which bleeds if it is itchy," she said.

(BMcC)