Dermatology experts from Queen's University and the Royal Victoria Hospital are forecasting that a general increase in skin cancer rates over coming years will be exacerbated by a significant burst in the age category most susceptible to the disease.

Researchers from both Queen's and the Royal have looked at official cancer statistics for nearly 23,000 people here over a 12-year period. The results, published in the British Journal of Dermatology, have shown a concerning increase in skin cancer levels in the province since the early 90s.

And with 80% of all cases occurring in the over 60s - an age group predicted to swell by more than half in the next two decades - that level looks set to rise drastically in line.

The findings also concluded that men living in affluent areas were significantly more likely to develop a certain type of skin cancer than if they lived in a disadvantaged area.

Co-author of the report Dr Olivia Dolan, consultant dermatologist at the Royal, said the predicted rise in skin cancer will place great demands on the Health Service.

"The general rise in incidences of skin cancer, coupled with ageing populations, will place greater demands on dermatology and other related specialities over the coming years, " she said.

"The number of people aged 60 and over is set to rise by more than a half by 2030 and 80% of all skin cancers occur in this age group.

"It is important that we plan ahead so that we are able to care for patients with skin cancer without compromising other chronic dermatological diseases."

The study of the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry at Queen's found a 20% increase in patients being diagnosed with skin cancer between 1993 and 2004 - and a 62% increase in skin cancer samples processed by pathology laboratories.

The researchers looked at the three most common types of skin cancer - basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma - which accounted for 27% of all male cancers and 26% of all female cancers. Among the wide-ranging conclusions was that being well-off was a disadvantage when it comes to skin cancer.

Men living in affluent areas were 41% more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma and two and a half times more likely to suffer from malignant melanoma.

Wealthy women were 29% more likely to suffer from basal cell carcinoma and also two and a half times more likely to suffer from malignant melanoma.

As Northern Ireland has enjoyed hot and sunny weather in recent days, co-author Dr Susannah Hoey, from the Dermatology Department at the Royal, and Dr Dolan agreed that the result of their study reinforces the need for people to take sensible precautions in the sun, whether at home or on holiday.

"Although our research highlights that some sections of society face greater risks than others, the safe sun message is one that we will need to heed if we are to halt rising skin cancer rates," Dr Hoey added.

Detecting skin cancer

Consult your doctor if you spot:

• Moles or patches of normal skin that change in size, shape or colour over weeks or months of adult life
• A new growth or sore that won't heal
• A spot, mole or sore that itches or hurts
• A mole or growth that bleeds, crusts or scabs

For further advice, look up www.sunsmart.org.uk

How to stay safe in the sun

• Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm
• Make sure you never burn
• Aim to cover up with a T-shirt, hat and sunglasses
• Remember to take extra care with children
• Use factor 15-plus sunscreen
• Remember those most at risk are people with fair skin, lots of moles or freckles or a family history of skin cancer