Skin Cancer Prevalence in Ireland

Written by Kevin O’Hagan, Cancer Prevention Manager, Irish Cancer Society

The prevention and treatment of skin cancer was the inspiration behind the formation of the Irish Cancer Society 60 years ago. Prof Austin Darragh was inspired to organise the Society after learning that 100 Irish people were dying each year from nonmelanoma skin cancer, (NMSC) a disease that can be easily treated if found early. Skin cancer is still the most common cancer diagnosed in Ireland, with around 13,000 new cases diagnosed every year (26% of overall cancer cases). Treatment outcomes have significantly improved. Today, NMSC has an almost 100% 5-year survival rate and melanoma skin cancer now has an almost 90% 5-year survival rate.

While survival rates have improved, the number of people being diagnosed with skin cancer in Ireland is rising rapidly. The National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI) projections suggest that the average number of cases diagnosed each year may double between 2015 and 2045. This is due to multiple factors, including demographic change with an ageing population, 75% of the Irish population have a ‘Celtic skin type’ which burns easily and is more prone to skin cancer. The increased frequency of travel to hot countries, the perception that a tan is an indicator of health, or the belief that Irish sun is not strong enough to damage skin, all have also contributed to increasing numbers of skin cancer.

The level of awareness of the danger posed by the Irish sun is a major concern. Research carried out on behalf of the Irish Cancer Society in 2022 revealed that a third of people were ‘not at all worried’ about sunburn in Ireland, even though results from an National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) study showed that 92% of respondents have experienced sunburn at least once in their lifetime, with many recalling multiple episodes. Almost 50% of respondents experienced sunburn at least once in the past 12 months.

Regarding sun protection behaviours, the Irish Cancer Society survey also found that while just a third would apply sun cream regularly, nearly 1 in 7 would never apply sun cream when in Ireland. This rises to 1 in 5 amongst men. The study also revealed that half of the people surveyed disregard the importance of protecting the head, eyes and face from damaging rays with 53% of those surveyed admitting that they never wear a wide-brimmed hat and 1 in 6 never wearing sunglasses.

Prevention

The former director of the International Agency for Cancer Research, Chris Wild once said, “We cannot treat our way out of cancer”, this certainly applies to skin cancer which is the most preventable of all of the cancers.

The publication of the National Cancer Strategy in 2017 was a significant turning point in the work of skin cancer prevention in Ireland. The strategy recommended the development of a skin cancer prevention plan as a matter of priority (Rec. 3). This recommendation was in response to the fact that incidence rate of melanoma, was increasing by 5% per year in men, and 2.5% per year in women at that time.

Irelands first National Skin Cancer Prevention Plan was developed in 2019 in consultation with a number of stakeholders. This has enabled a national strategic approach to skin cancer prevention.

Examples of outcomes from the implementation of the plan include the development of a SunSmart brand, an annual SunSmart awareness campaign, and resources for schools, employers, and research on the cost of skin cancer in Ireland.

A range of Sun Smart campaign materials are available on the HSE / NCCP website. A second plan has recently been published to build on this progress. Skin cancer prevention is a long-term goal, and the success of this work will depend on ongoing Government commitment to ensure funding and resources are made available to fully implement the plan.

Learnings from other successful international campaigns indicate that a long-term strategic approach is necessary. The SunSmart campaign in Australia was established in 1988 and has proved successful, with melanoma rates declining in younger age groups. SunSmart initiatives include mass-media public education campaigns, a schools and early childhood membership program, workplace education and health professional training. This program has contributed to population wide improvements in sun protection behaviours since the 1980s. The SunSmart program has also been instrumental in achieving a considerable cultural shift towards sun protection norms in pre- and primary school–age children, as well as schools and workplaces adopting a sun protection policy. Strong leadership, legislation including banning sunbeds and workplace health and safety legislation, a critical mass of key advocates from a range of disciplines including clinicians and patients, and the use of media to drive change all proved to be successful elements of the program.

Skin Smart: Early Detection

Unlike many other cancers, skin cancer is the type of cancer you can see with your own eyes and do something about immediately. Despite the visible nature of skin cancer, a recent survey by the Irish Cancer Society indicated that, one third were, not confident in identifying early signs of Skin Cancer and 1 in 5 never checked their skin for marks at all. It also found that people mostly associate skin cancer signs with moles. While over half of those surveyed said they would seek attention within a matter of days if they noticed a worrying sign with a mole this drops to 4 in 10 for other, less well understood skin cancer signs like lumps, spots and rough, scaly patches on the skin.

The Irish Cancer Society launched the Skin Smart campaign to encourage people to check their skin on a regular basis and also to help understand the different changes to watch out for on their skin. A range of skin cancers images are available to view at www.cancer.ie/skin-cancer

For more information or to order leaflets on skin cancer contact the Irish Cancer Society.

Call our Support line Freephone 1800 200 700 or email supportline@irishcancer.ie