Ireland

Skin cancer 'most likely to hit city dwellers and young people'

Analysis of incidence rates in Ireland revealed the disease is becoming more common despite the fact it can be prevented in 90% of cases. 
Analysis of incidence rates in Ireland revealed the disease is becoming more common despite the fact it can be prevented in 90% of cases.  Analysis of incidence rates in Ireland revealed the disease is becoming more common despite the fact it can be prevented in 90% of cases. 

YOUNG people and city dwellers are most at risk from skin cancers, experts have warned.

Analysis of incidence rates in Ireland revealed the disease is becoming more common despite the fact it can be prevented in 90% of cases.

The Irish Cancer Society said official records on non-melanoma skin cancer in all age groups from 1994-2011 showed young people were most in danger.

Two types of non-melanoma - basal and squamous cell carcinoma - increased by 72% among women and 53% among men aged under 34 over that time period.

In 2013 alone, there were 112 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer and 79 cases of melanoma among people in that age bracket.

The charity, which launched its SunSmart campaign to promote simple steps to protect against harmful UV rays, said anyone who is diagnosed with a skin cancer runs a higher risk of the disease recurring compared to the risk of getting a skin cancer in the first instance.

It also warned that protecting skin in childhood and adolescence is vital in reducing the risk of the disease as it takes approximately 10-15 years for a skin cancer to develop.

Children who get sunburnt in their formative years also increase the risk of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer in adult life, the Irish Cancer Society said.

Kevin O'Hagan, the charity's cancer prevention manager, said: "It's important to remember the real dangers of even mild sunburn and tanning from recreational sun exposure and sunbeds. While the sunburn or the tan may fade, the damage remains and this can lead to skin cancer."

The figures from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI), which collects and classifies information on all cancer cases in Ireland, showed people living in affluent urban areas have an increased risk of skin cancer compared to people living in rural areas.

Rates of basal cell carcinoma, a non-melanoma skin cancer, are 43% higher for women in cities and 52% higher for men.

Mr O'Hagan said the difference could be down to lifestyle and related outdoor activities.

"These activities, such as playing outdoor sports or going on holidays abroad, can lead to irregular high levels of sun exposure," he said.

"In contrast, those living in rural locations may be more likely to have a low level of exposure on a more ongoing basis, have a lower tendency to holiday abroad and have less access to sunbeds."

Among the Irish Cancer Society advice is to seek shade between 11am and 3pm and wear long-sleeve and collared shirts or long shorts, a hat and wraparound sunglasses with UV protection.

They also urge people to use sunscreen with a UVA protection and SPF of 15 or higher, or at least 30 for children, and to keep babies under six months out of the sun.