05 December 2024
Public Health has published the second part of a joint report with Guernsey on local
cancer incidence and mortality rates.
The report has been compiled by the National Disease Registration Service in the NHS and
is the second of two catch-up reports to bring Jersey’s reporting up to date. The first report
was published in August and comprised of data up to 2018. This report details data from
2019-2020 and looks at comparisons between the islands and the UK.
The report shows:
- In Jersey, there was an average of 1,058 malignant cancers registered each year
between 2018 and 2020. Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) account for around
42 per cent of these
- Jersey has a higher incidence rate of breast cancer than England (around 102 new
cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in Jersey each year)
- Jersey has a higher incidence rate of skin cancer than the South West and England
(around 53 new cases of malignant melanoma are diagnosed each year. The major
risk factor is UV exposure through sunlight or sunbeds)
- Jersey has a higher incidence rate of head and neck cancers than the South West
and England (around 34 new cases of head and neck cancers are diagnosed in
Jersey each year).
- There is no significant difference in the rates of other cancers included in this
report in Jersey in comparison to the South West and England
- Mortality rates for head and neck cancers are higher in Jersey than the South West
and England
- Mortality rates for skin cancer is higher in Jersey than England.
Dr Elizabet Gomes Dos Santos, Service lead for Oncology at HCS and Chair for the Jersey
Cancer Strategy Implementation Committee, said:
“This report demonstrates the ongoing commitment to understanding and addressing
cancer at all levels in Jersey. We can see that some types of preventable cancer are
slightly higher in Jersey than in England, although mortality rates are comparable with
England and Guernsey. Through analysis of trends and outcomes, we are better equipped
to tailor interventions effectively.
“Crucially we must aim to minimise risk factors wherever possible, but equally important
is enhancing screening and early detection capabilities. I encourage everyone who is
eligible for any of our screening services to book an appointment as soon as possible.
Attending screenings regularly mean we can diagnose earlier and treat better."
The full report can be found here.
The first report published in August can be found here.
gov.je