Ballymoney and Moyle have lowest numer of melanomas

Figures released show that from 2003 to 2007 the Moyle Council area had 13 cases of malignant melanoma - the lowest number in the Northern area. While Ballymoney had the third lowest with 17, just in front of Cookstown with 14.

However both Councils experienced a slight gender split with six males in Moyle and less than five males in Ballymoney being diagnosed. This compares to more than five females in Ballymoney and seven females in Moyle.

Skin cancer accounts for more than one quarter of all individuals diagnosed with cancer.

There are two main types of skin cancer - melanoma and non-melanoma - melanoma is the least common but is the most serious form. There has been a dramatic increase in cases over the years with malignant melanoma skin cancer cases nearly trebling in 25 years.

The main risk factor with this particular cancer is over exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation (UV) either as a result of natural sunlight or by using a sunbed. Research shows that using a sunbed once a month or more can increase the risk of developing skin cancer by more than half and using sunbeds before the age of 35 years can increase the risk of developing melanoma skin cancer by up to 75%.

With these figures in mind the Public Health Agency (PHA) is launching a campaign to raise awareness of the health effects of sunbed use, especially among young people.

Dr Eddie Rooney, Chief Executive of the PHA, said: “Today the PHA wants to highlight the very serious risks of using sunbeds to young people, so they will realise that if they use sunbeds their looks will fade along with their tan.”

Dr. David Alderdice, Consultant Dermatologist at Causeway Hospital said, “The Public Health Agency’s campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of sunbeds is very welcome given that skin cancer is the most common cancer in Northern Ireland.

“The statistics produced by the PHA show that Coleraine has the highest melanoma rate in the Northern area and in view of this we hope that local sunbed users will pay particular attention to this campaign and consider the long-term risks of tanning. There is no such thing as a safe tan.”

For further information on the dangers of sunbeds and skin cancer visit www.careinthesun.org or call the Ulster Cancer Foundation’s freephone cancer information and support helpline 0800 783 3339.