Partnerships for Policy Action Introduction Gerry McElwee A recent study carried out in Northern Ireland highlighted major differences in what skin type we think we have and which type we actually have, with 60% of people believing themselves to be skin type 3 or above and over 30% stating they were type 5 or 6. The reality is that the vast majority of the native population in Northern Ireland have either skin type 1or 2 – the high risk groups for skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Northern Ireland. Non melanoma skin cancer(27%) + Malignant melanoma (3%) account for over 30% of all cancers diagnosed each year in Northern Ireland. 4095 people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year (377 MM + 3718 NMS) – that means on average over 11 people every day are told they have skin cancer. The rate of skin cancer is increasing year on year and has almost trebled since the 1980s. 2012-2016 5yr average incidences/deaths: MM 377 cases pa or 20.5 cases per 100,000 population pa NMS 3718 cases pa or 210 per 100,000 population pa MM+NMS 73 people pa or 3.9 per 100,000 population pa

Skin cancer prevention strategy Dept of Health Skin Cancer Prevention Strategy & Action Plan 2011-2021. -Overall long-term aim is to reduce the incidence of skin cancer and deaths from it among people in Northern Ireland -Objectives Raise public awareness about the risks of overexposure to UV from sun and sunbeds Reduce the use of sunbeds Increase individual and organisational practice of sun safety behaviours Increase awareness about the early signs of skin cancer and the need for prompt action Encourage earlier detection and treatment of malignant melanoma Promote further research into knowledge, attitudes and behaviour and epidemiology of skin cancer -targets are to ↑ proportion of men who take protective measures in the sun ↑ proportion of population who check their skin regularly ↓ proportion of 16-25 year olds using sunbeds

Making it happen PHA Dept of Health Health Trusts Employers GPs HSENI Pharmacy Sport NI Cancer Focus NI District Councils HSENI Employers Schools & Ed sector NI Cancer Registry Strategy Implementation Group co-chaired by PHA & Cancer Focus; 4 Subgroups; Strategy Co-ordinator Engaging with a range of key stakeholders is essential

Implementation