Jersey’s Skin Cancer Rate Exceeds Guernsey’s

Jersey Records Higher Rate of Skin Cancer Than Guernsey, New Report Finds

A new study has revealed that non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) remains the most common form of cancer across the Channel Islands, with Jersey showing notably higher rates than Guernsey and England.

The Channel Islands Cancer Report, produced by the National Disease Registration Service (part of NHS England), analysed cancer data collected between 2009 and 2022.

According to the findings, between 2020 and 2022 an average of 735 malignant cancers were recorded each year in Guernsey, with 36% identified as NMSC. In Jersey, the annual average was 1,032 cancers, 41% of which were NMSC.

After NMSC, the most frequently diagnosed cancers in both islands were prostate, breast, and colorectal cancers.

While Jersey showed higher rates of skin cancer, Guernsey recorded higher rates of prostate, breast, and colorectal cancers compared to both Jersey and the South West of England.

Lung cancer ranked as the fifth most common cancer in both islands and remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths.

The report attributed the prevalence of certain cancers in the Channel Islands to risk factors including ultraviolet (UV) exposure, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.

Professor Peter Bradley, Jersey’s Director of Public Health, urged islanders to take preventive measures:

“We encourage all islanders to check their eligibility for screening services, participate in screening programmes, and take proactive steps to reduce their cancer risk through lifestyle changes.”