Two important reports published in July highlight the rising incidence of skin cancer

The National Cancer Registry of Ireland has just published a report on Cancer Trends (Cancer trends no. 34 – skin cancer) today, July 19th.

The report highlights a sharp rise in incidence of both non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancers in Ireland. This increase, along with the pattern of distribution (i.e. body sites affected), indicate that type of sun exposure is an important risk factor, and coupled with the genetic susceptibility of most people living in Ireland, i.e. pale skin, underscores the importance of prevention.

On July 5th 2017, the Department of Health published the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 which seeks to meet the needs of cancer patients in Ireland for the next ten years. The vision set out by the strategy is one which encompasses all aspects of cancer control, including promotion of healthy living, prevention measures, optimum treatments and quality of life measures across the patient cancer journey, and beyond. The strategy outlines four goals:

  1. Reduce cancer incidence
  2. Provide optimal care
  3. Maximise patient involvement and quality of life
  4. Enable and assure change

The Irish Skin Foundation welcomes the strategy’s emphasis on the importance of prevention and in particular the recommendation that ‘The Department of Health will develop a national skin cancer prevention plan and oversee its implementation as a priority’.


We want everyone in Ireland to learn to Protect & Inspect their skin! Download our short guide, written with hospital-based dermatologists, to checking your skin.   

Melanoma is on the rise in Ireland: see the facts in these info-graphics – Melanoma Skin Cancer and Solar UV Radiation

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