P057 Assessing the skin cancer landscape in the Channel Islands: incidence and mortality for malignant melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer

Abstract Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK. Limited published literature exists on skin cancer incidence in the Channel Islands. A single study from 13 years ago reported that the region has one of the highest incidence rates of malignant melanoma (MM) in Europe. In England, the highest skin cancer incidence is reported in the Southwest, where a higher ultraviolet index is recorded. The aim of this study was to assess skin cancer incidence and mortality in the Channel Islands (Jersey and Guernsey) from 2005 to 2018. Data were extracted from the Channel Islands Cancer Report, published in August 2024, which used data from the National Disease Registration Service from 2005 to 2018. Nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) are reported as first all-time tumours. Comparisons are made with the Southwest of England and England. Age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs) and age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs), adjusted to the 2013 European standard population, and reported per 100 000 person-years (PY). z-Scores with associated P-values were calculated to compare regional ASIRs. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were calculated to compare ASIRs from 2005–07 vs. 2016–18 and are reported with Poisson 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Significance was assessed using the χ2 statistic. During 2016–18, 86 and 169 MMs and 348 and 1277 NMSCs were reported in Guernsey and Jersey, respectively, with skin cancers accounting for 45% of all malignancies. Jersey’s ASIR for MM (58.3 per 100 000 PY, 95% CI 49.7–67.8) is the highest, followed by Guernsey (42.2 PY, 95% 33.6–52.2), Southwest England (35.8 PY, 95% CI 34.9–36.7) and England overall (28.1 PY, 95% 27.8–28.3). Guernsey’s ASIR for NMSC (486 PY, 95% CI 455–519) is higher than for Jersey (451 PY, 95% CI 426–477), Southwest England (312 PY, 95% CI 310–315) and England overall (259 PY, 95% CI 258–260). The ASIRs for MM and NMSC were significantly higher in Guernsey and Jersey than in England (P < 0.05). Between the islands, the incidence of MM is significantly higher in Jersey than in Guernsey (P = 0.02), while NMSC rates show no significant difference. The ASIR of MM increased in both Jersey (IRR +45.8%, P < 0.001) and Guernsey (IRR +47.0%, P < 0.001) from 2005–07 to 2016–18, and more rapidly in the male than the female population. The ASIR for NMSC also increased in Jersey (IRR +19.3%, P < 0.001) and Guernsey (IRR +30.2%, P < 0.001) from 2005–07 to 2016–18. The ASMRs for MM and NMSC between Guernsey, Jersey, England and the Southwest showed no significant differences. The ASMR for MM remained stable over the time period and NMSC mortality trends were too low to assess. In conclusion, both Jersey and Guernsey experienced higher MM incidence rates than England. Targeted public health initiatives focusing on prevention and early detection will optimize skin cancer care in the Channel Islands.