Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland. Almost 13,000 cases are diagnosed each year. The National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI) expects this number to double by 2040. It accounts for over one-third of all cancers diagnosed annually. This is twice the number of 10 years ago. Yet most skin cancers could be prevented.
Skin cancer is generally classified into two groups: Melanoma and Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). Melanoma is the least common but the most serious form of skin cancer because it is more likely to spread (metastasise) from the skin to other parts of the body than other types of skin cancer. It accounts for over 1,156 cases each year in Ireland. It is the 5th most common cancer in Ireland after non-melanoma skin and Ireland has one of the highest mortality rates from melanoma in Europe. When detected early, it has a high 5-year survival rate of 93%. Melanoma starts in cells in the skin called melanocytes. Melanocytes make a pigment called melanin. This gives skin its natural colour. This pigment helps to protect the body from ultraviolet light (UV radiation) from the sun. Melanoma may occur at any age, but it is more common in older people. In comparison to most other cancer types, it is also quite common in younger people.
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