A health official is urging residents to practice sun safety after a study revealed that skin cancer is the most common cancer affecting people in the Channel Islands.
The study, which compared cancer rates in the islands between 2005 and 2018 with those in the southwest and other parts of England, found that residents of both islands are more susceptible to malignant skin cancer, accounting for about 40% of all cancer cases on each island.
In Jersey, the next most common cancers were identified as breast, prostate, and lung cancer, while in Guernsey, prostate, breast, and digestive system cancers were most prevalent.
Jenny Cataroche, head of Guernsey's Public Health Intelligence, stated: "We take comfort in the fact that Guernsey's rates for the most common cancers—those with the highest incidence and mortality—are generally similar to or lower than those in comparison regions. The significant exception is skin cancer, where, as in previous reports, we see higher rates than neighbouring areas.
"Skin cancers are directly linked to UV exposure from the sun, making it crucial for islanders to enjoy the sun safely. The message is two-fold: prevention, such as covering up, wearing a hat, avoiding the sun between 11am and 3pm, and using sunscreen; and early detection, by knowing your skin and consulting a doctor if any changes occur."
A follow-up report, including data up to 2020, is expected by the end of the year.
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