Irish death rate from melanoma higher than Spain

THE death rate from the most dangerous form of skin cancer is higher in Ireland than in sunspots such as Spain and Italy, a new report has revealed.

The annual average number of deaths in Ireland from melanoma – a type of skin cancer that can spread to other organs in the body – is 159, a mortality rate of 3.1 per 100,000. More men than women die of the disease, according to the report on skin cancer trends from the National Cancer Registry.

It said there were around 11,000 cases of skin cancer diagnosed in Ireland every year and the bulk of these were the less serious non-melanoma kind.

Just under 1,000 cases of melanoma were diagnosed annually between 2011 and 2015 – 518 women and 469 men.

With many cancers the disease is more common in older people.

However, melanoma patients tended to be younger and almost a third of women and one-fifth of men were diagnosed before the age of 50.

Melanoma in women was most commonly found in lower limbs followed by upper limbs.

This is consistent with the kind of exposure to damaging rays from sunbathing.

In men the most common area of the melanoma cancer was the trunk and face.

The report said the melanoma incidence in both men and women had risen significantly since 1994.

The rise has been particularly marked for men. Melanomas diagnosed at Stage 1 had a much higher survival than those found at stage IV.

Older patients tend to have more advanced melanomas when diagnosed.

This is particularly the case in the over-80s.

Over 75pc of the Irish population have ‘Celtic skin type’ where we freckle and burn easily. Irish people carry the highest risk of skin cancer. People with a fair complexion need to be extra careful in the sun. To be safe: Protect skin by covering up (hat, sunglasses, long-sleeved clothing);

Seek shade and use a ‘broad spectrum’ sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30;

Seek shade and cover up with long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Some 95pc of UV rays are blocked by cotton;

Wear sunscreen and apply at least 20 minutes before going out.