Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer Statistics
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Northern Ireland, accounting for over 31% of all cancers. About 4,361 people develop the disease each year and around 399 of these are malignant melanomas. Malignant melanoma rates have risen remarkably here over the past 30 years, from an average of 103 cases per year in the mid-1980s, to 399 cases each year at present.
Incidence of skin cancer in Northern Ireland
The number of skin cancers, including melanoma, is expected to continue to rise. Why?
- More people are sun-bathing and using sunbeds
- We have an ageing population (there are growing numbers of older people)
- Due to a reduction in the ozone layer
The tables below show details of cases and deaths from malignant melanoma and other skin cancers for males and females from 2000-2018:
CARE IN THE SUN
RISK FACTORS
Anyone can develop skin cancer, whatever their skin colour. However, certain skin types are more at risk from the effects of UV radiation than others.
SKIN PROTECTION
Too much ultraviolet (UV) light, either from natural sunlight or from artificial sources such as sunbeds, is the main cause of 80% of skin cancers.
SUNBEDS
Sunbeds, tanning booths and sun lamps give out ultraviolet (UV) rays that can damage your skin and can make it look wrinkled, older or leathery.