Raw data released last year by the Health Department in response to a Freedom of Information request suggested that 88 people from Jersey were diagnosed with malignant melanoma – the most dangerous form of skin cancer – in 2014.
Given that Jersey has a population of just over 100,000, the Island’s melanoma figures would appear to dwarf that of New Zealand – which is known as the skin cancer capital of the world.
In that country, there are 50 cases of melanoma each year per 100,000 people.
The upcoming Channel Islands Cancer Registration Report (2016) is expected to clarify whether the 88 cases of malignant melanoma diagnosed in 2014 were new instances of the disease, or recurring cases.
However, Jill Birbeck, head of Jersey’s Public Health intelligence unit, says the report has been delayed because of staff shortages at Public Health England – which analyses the raw data provided by the hospitals in Jersey and Guernsey.
A Public Health England spokesperson said the reason for the report’s delay was twofold.
‘Additional time was required to carry out data quality assurance and there was also temporary staff absence caused by sickness,’ he said. ‘The report will be ready for publication in mid-summer.’
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