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21/06/2013
NI Skin Cancer Cases 'More Than Double'
The number of cases of skin cancer in Northern Ireland has more than doubled in the past 20 years.
Gerry McElwee, from the Cancer Focus charity, said complacency about the risks, the ever-increasing popularity of foreign holidays and the use of sunbeds are to blame for the surge in cases.
Around 3,300 people develop skin cancer each year, accounting for a quarter of all cancer cases.
Mr McElwee explained: "We have very light skin colours but people rate their skin much darker than it actually is, believing they never burn but tan.
"In actual fact those groups are very rare in our society, there is a perception that 'it is not a problem for me' for a lot of people and some people are not aware of the dangers and some may not be aware of the link between ultraviolet and sunburn and the potential for skin cancer."
He added there may be a time lag between people's exposure to rays in the 1960s, '70s and '80s creating cancers now.
Yesterday, Health Minister Edwin Poots addressed a Skin Cancer Conference at Malone House and said 'care in the sun' was paramount to tackling skin cancer.
Mr Poots added: "Substantial progress has been made in the area of skin cancer prevention. However, we will continue to see rising rates of skin cancer for some time, due to the amount of sun exposure people have already had.
"That is why I would encourage everyone to be aware of changes in their skin and to report any changes to their GP. Early detection can save lives."
(JP/MH)
Gerry McElwee, from the Cancer Focus charity, said complacency about the risks, the ever-increasing popularity of foreign holidays and the use of sunbeds are to blame for the surge in cases.
Around 3,300 people develop skin cancer each year, accounting for a quarter of all cancer cases.
Mr McElwee explained: "We have very light skin colours but people rate their skin much darker than it actually is, believing they never burn but tan.
"In actual fact those groups are very rare in our society, there is a perception that 'it is not a problem for me' for a lot of people and some people are not aware of the dangers and some may not be aware of the link between ultraviolet and sunburn and the potential for skin cancer."
He added there may be a time lag between people's exposure to rays in the 1960s, '70s and '80s creating cancers now.
Yesterday, Health Minister Edwin Poots addressed a Skin Cancer Conference at Malone House and said 'care in the sun' was paramount to tackling skin cancer.
Mr Poots added: "Substantial progress has been made in the area of skin cancer prevention. However, we will continue to see rising rates of skin cancer for some time, due to the amount of sun exposure people have already had.
"That is why I would encourage everyone to be aware of changes in their skin and to report any changes to their GP. Early detection can save lives."
(JP/MH)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Dry with some late sunshine to end the day. Clear spells through the first part of the night but low cloud feeding in from the north later giving some mist or fog patches. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
