Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context

1195. To ask the Minister for Health to estimate the current annual costs to the Exchequer of treating skin cancer and related conditions. [24379/25]

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context

1196. To ask the Minister for Health if her Department or agencies under her remit have conducted any research or analysis on the cost to the Exchequer of delayed detection of skin cancers, in particular, any research or analysis which considers the contribution of the costs to patients of private screening to the delayed detection of skin cancers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24380/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1195 and 1196 together.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ireland, with over 11,000 cases annually. Unfortunately, the number of people being diagnosed with skin cancer is rising.

Recent data from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI) indicates that 90% of skin cancers are Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer (NMSC) which can usually be easily treated and have a five year survival rate close to 100%.

Melanomas account for the other 10% of skin cancer. Currently 89% of melanomas are diagnosed early in stage I and II while 11% are diagnosed at Stage III or IV. The five year survival rate for melanoma is around 93%.

My Department does not hold data on the overall cost of treating skin cancer. However, the HSE National Cancer Control Programme conducted a study, published in September 2023 which looked at the economic costs of skin cancer treatment by disease stage and phase of management. The report can be found here:

The study found that the cost of skin cancer treatment will vary with each patient due to a range of factors informed by type and stage of disease. While the report did not examine cancer screening costs, it did conclude that where skin cancer is diagnosed at the earlier stages, the overall cost of treatment is significantly lower.

The National Skin Cancer Prevention Plan (NSCPP) 2023-2026 aims to increase awareness and adoption of skin cancer prevention behaviours, in order to reverse the rising incidence of skin cancer in Ireland. The SunSmart Campaign in partnership with the HSE, is an annual campaign running from April to September across social media, radio, and digital audio, and aims to increase awareness and adoption of skin protection behaviours.