Liberal Democrat Public Health spokesperson Jamie Stone MSP has called for action to raise public awareness of lifestyle choices that can lead to an increased risk of developing cancer.

Official figures published today show that breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, with the incidence rate continuing to rise and that Malignant melanoma of the skin is now the ninth most common cancer in men and the seventh most common in women. Incidence rates for skin cancer continue to rise significantly, with a steep increase of 43 per cent in males and 20 per cent in females over the last decade.

Commenting, Mr Stone said:

“It is worrying, but sadly unsurprising that increased alcohol consumption is cited as a possible explanation for the increasing incidence of breast cancer. It is really important that women in Scotland are made aware of the potential link between breast cancer and excess alcohol consumption.

“The substantial increase in skin cancer is extremely alarming, particularly the massive increase in men. Health professionals have identified over-exposure to the sun during childhood as the major contributor to developing skin cancer in later life. It’s absolutely critical that this message gets across to parents so that they can take the necessary steps to protect their children.”