Cases of malignant melanoma — the key cause of skin cancer deaths — have more than tripled in Northern Ireland since the mid 1980s, it was revealed today.
The Northern Ireland Cancer Registry (NICR) said that in 2006, 254 cases of skin cancer had been recorded compared with just 80 in 1984.
Malignant melanoma is seen more in affluent populations — and the increase has coincided with a big jump in the number of people heading off abroad for holidays in the sun and the use of sunbeds.
The NICR, based at Queen's University Belfast, worked with Queen's researchers and the Northern Ireland Cancer Network (NICaN) to produce a report on malignant melanoma.
Patients tended to be younger than those diagnosed with other cancers, with a third under 50 at time of diagnosis and nine under 25. The report revealed women were more affected than men in Northern Ireland.
The good news for Northern Ireland is that it has among the best survival rates for the cancer in Europe — with 98.8 per cent of patients alive one year after being diagnosed.
Dr Anna Gavin, director of the NICR, said: "The figures are alarming and reflect increased exposure of skin to damaging UV rays from the sun and sunbeds.
"Sunburn in childhood is a particular risk factor."
She said the report recommended a review of the number of doctors performing secondary surgery on melanoma patients to ensure an equitable, high quality service for all patients.
Dr Maureen Walsh, regional melanoma pathologist and chair of the NICaN Melanoma Group, said: "Over a fifth of patients had significant symptoms for over a year which points to the need for professionals to focus even more on highlighting the early signs of melanoma.
"These include increasing size of a mole or spot to greater than the blunt end of a pencil, and a spot which bleeds if it is itchy.
"If people are worried they should contact their GP who will decide if they need further referral."
PA