Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 December 2004
57 Mr. Sargent asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of skin cancers here and the number of deaths resulting; if there has been an increase in the past 20 years; the steps she intends to take to deal with this problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31716/04]
View answerStatistics on the incidences of new cancers cases are collated by the National Cancer Registry. My Department has asked the director of the registry to examine the issue raised and reply directly to the Deputy.
The main cause of skin cancer is over-exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun. The health promotion unit of my Department works in partnership with the Irish Cancer Society to develop health promotion programmes with communities and workplaces and to undertake regular public information and awareness campaigns that focus on cancer prevention, risk prevention and early detection.
