Almost 100% of people survive at least five years after being diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer, while for melanoma, the more serious type of skin cancer, the survival rate has improved significantly to 92%, a report by the National Cancer Registry of Ireland has found.
Linda Chanders, aged 54, was first diagnosed with malignant melanoma skin cancer three years ago.
She discovered the skin cancer after she stepped out of a shower and spotted a tiny little dark spot on the back of her leg.
It was investigated quickly and was found to be early-stage melanoma. Linda underwent surgery and had skin grafts.
After the diagnosis, she was also diagnosed with five other skin cancers. These required topical chemotherapy on her face.
Linda has undergone other surgeries and has had a total of 23 stitches on her face.
"Early intervention is very important. Go straight away, don't delay."
"I was always aware of the risks of skin cancer, because I have Celtic skin, fair hair, red hair. So, I had gone for regular checkups," she said.
She used 'skin mapping' and said that if anyone has over 50 moles on their body, they should get mapping done at least yearly.
Some of Linda's cancers were picked up by using mapping. Many of the treatments were done during the Covid-19 pandemic, so it was a difficult time for her, she explained.
She advised that if anyone spots changes on their skin, including in moles on their bodies, they should go to their GP early. The earlier it is caught, the better, she said, as it is very treatable.
"Things are under control now and I check myself every fortnight, for new or different moles," she said.
"The first stop is to go to your GP, that's very important. Your GP will then send a referral, at the moment there's very long waiting lists, depending what stage and which type of cancer it is. So, early intervention is very important. Go straight away, don't delay.
Skin cancer survival rates improving, report finds
Linda's story is particularly relevant in light of a new report by the National Cancer Registry of Ireland, which shows skin cancer survival rates are improving.
Almost 100% of people survive at least five years after being diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer, while for melanoma, the more serious type of skin cancer, the survival rate has improved significantly to 92%, the NCRI report has found.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland with more than 11,000 people diagnosed each year.
About nine out of every ten cases are non-melanoma skin cancers, the report said.
Around 270 people die from skin cancer each year.
Director of the National Cancer Registry Professor Deirdre Murray said there have been improvements in diagnostics and drugs but the most important thing remains early diagnosis.
She said early diagnosis is the "best chance for cure".
"Understanding the trends in skin cancer is vital for public health awareness and prevention strategies.
"Many of these cancers could be prevented with wider adoption of safe sun practices in our population and avoidance of sun beds," Professor Murray said.
The report also found that the incidence rate for non-melanoma skin cancers is decreasing for women.
However, the incidence rate for melanoma in women continues to increase, the report said.
It added that the incidence rate for melanoma in men has stopped increasing since 2015.
Men are 1.6 times more likely to die from melanoma than women and 2.3 times more likely to die from non-melanoma skin cancer.
We need your consent to load this rte-player contentWe use rte-player to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
Wear factor 30 sunscreen every day if working outside, says NCRI director
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Prof Murray said everyone working outdoors should wear factor 30 sunscreen or above every day from April to September.
She said that just 20 minutes in the sun can cause sunburn.
She explained that the majority of Irish people are genetically fair-skinned and therefore more susceptible to skin cancer.
Prof Murray said that even though Ireland does not get a huge amount of sun, it does get a UV index of three or more which puts people into the risk category during April to September.
She said sunburn particularly increases the risk of skin cancer, adding that it is essential to be careful to avoid sunburn, both at home and abroad, particularly for children.
In terms of the signs that people should be looking out for, Professor Murray pointed to growth in moles or spots along with bleeding or itching.
She urged anyone who sees dramatic changes in their skin to get it checked out.
Tomorrow is Daffodil Day, the Irish Cancer Society's biggest fundraiser event of the year.
