Skin cancer rates sharply increase

Some 2,000 cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in Switzerland every year, making the country the most affected by this cancer in Europe.

The Federal Statistics Office said on Monday diagnosis rates of melanoma had sharply increased over the past two decades and skin cancer was now fourth on the list of cancers most affecting the Swiss.

According to the Statistics Office, diagnosis occurs more frequently among people who have regular checkups and when the melanoma is not yet at an advanced stage.

A study of cases between 2004 and 2008 found that skin cancer rates had increased more in men (up 80 per cent) than in women (up 50 per cent) over the previous 20-year period. In the four years between 2004-08, 21 cases per 100,000 women were recorded compared with 23.4 cases for men.

Seven per cent of skin melanoma among women and ten per cent among men were diagnosed at an advanced stage.

The study also found that men are less likely to use sun protection than women (79 per cent versus 89 per cent respectively). They are also less likely than women to have their skin checked regularly for melanoma (33 per cent versus 37 per cent).