Cancer society blames the staggering increase in melanoma on tanning behaviour and sunbeds, writes ÉANNA Ó'CAOLLAÍ
AN INCREASE of 92 per cent in skin cancer cases across all age groups between 1998 and 2008 has been attributed in part to the growth in popularity of foreign package holidays and the use of sunbeds.
Irish Cancer Society (ICS) promotion manager Norma Cronin said the “staggering increase” in melanoma was indicative of an approach when tanning behaviour meant “sunburn before suntan”, and when sunbeds arrived in Ireland.
One of the biggest risk factors is getting sunburned in childhood or adolescence and exposure to “intermittent short bursts of sun”, Ms Cronin said.
The ICS yesterday started an information campaign to combat the spread of the disease following the publication of figures showing a 152 per cent increase of melanoma in men over 60 years of age and an increase of 82 per cent in women in the same age category during the 10-year period.
The campaign aims to raise public awareness about the disease and highlight the importance of prevention and early detection.
According to figures released by the National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI), the 393 cases of melanoma recorded in Ireland in 1998 rose to 756 cases in 2008, an increase of 92 per cent. Some 195 people died from melanoma in 2008 across all age groups.
Ms Cronin described as “significant” research published last year by the WHO which found that melanoma skin cancer is increased by 75 per cent once sunbed use starts by those under the age of 30. The ICS called on the Government last month to introduce legislation to regulate use of sunbeds.
Melanoma skin cancer develops in cells in the outer layers of the skin and can grow from a mole, freckle or a normal part of the skin. It is considered the most dangerous and difficult to treat form of skin cancer.
Marese McDonagh adds: Farmers are more susceptible to skin cancer than the rest of the population but health experts are bringing the sun smart message to a cattle mart this week in an attempt to alert the most vulnerable.
For the second year running, health experts from Sligo General Hospital will visit Ballymote livestock mart in Co Sligo this Friday, in a bid to convince farmers that wearing shades and sun protection can save lives.
Tom Jordan, manager of the mart, said that up to 600 people would be on the site that day, many of whom do not take care of their health.
“I have a lot of clients here who already have worrying marks on the skin, around their eyes and their hands because of exposure to the sun over the years,” he pointed out.
“Many of these don’t own a pair of sunglasses and if they do put on sun protection, they do it at home.”
He said there was still a “macho” attitude among some farmers, especially older ones, that prevents them from putting on sun creams or even wearing sunglasses in public.
Representatives from the Marie Keating Foundation will join experts from the dermatology department and the Health Promotion Unit at Sligo General Hospital in Ballymote on Friday.
For further information on skin cancer prevention, early detection and the dangers of sunbeds call the National Cancer Helpline on Freefone 1800 200 700