Skin cancer statistics for Ballymena area released

The figures released by the Public Health Agency show that 15 men and 23 women were diagnosed with skin cancer between 2003 and 2007.

The statistics were released as part of a new Public Health Agency campaign to raise awareness of the health effects of sunbed use, especially among young people.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Northern Ireland and 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 per cent.

Dr Eddie Rooney, Chief Executive of the PHA, said: “Many people think having a tan makes them look healthier and more attractive. Now we know having a tan is actually a sign that our skin is trying to protect itself from UV damage rather than a sign of being healthy. There is a common misconception that sunbeds offer a safe way to get a tan but this again is not true.

"Repeated exposure to UV damages the DNA in skin cells, which increases the risk of skin cancer and makes skin age faster. 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."