Skin Cancer Statistics
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Northern Ireland, accounting for over 30% of all cancers. About 3,780 people develop the disease each year and around 330 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 332 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 2000-2013:
Malignant Melanoma
| 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 88 | 101 | 83 | 108 | 99 | 104 | 96 | 138 | 121 | 115 | 128 | 151 | 170 | 155 |
| Female | 131 | 146 | 129 | 136 | 132 | 150 | 138 | 164 | 165 | 166 | 171 | 195 | 207 | 197 |
For more information on skin cancer statistics visit Northern Ireland Cancer Registry.