P.E.I. melanoma rates highest in Canada

Prince Edward Islanders will continue to have the highest rates of melanoma in Canada, according to a report released Wednesday by the Canadian Cancer Society.

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The news is better when all cancers are taken into account, with P.E.I. having the lowest cancer incidence rate in Atlantic Canada, and the fourth lowest in the country.

This year 380 Islanders are expected to die from cancer and 910 will get the news they have the disease.

The picture is mixed when looking at specific cancers. Along with the highest rates of melanoma, P.E.I. is near the top in incidences of some other cancers.

• Multiple myloma: Highest.
• Pancreatic cancer in men: Highest.
• Cervical cancer: 3rd highest.
• Oral cancer in men: 2nd highest.
• Larynx cancer in men: 2nd highest.

But the Island population balances that out with relatively low rates of some other cancers.

• Uterine cancer: Lowest.
• Non-hodgkin lymphoma in men: Lowest.
• Thyroid cancer in women: Lowest.
• Kidney and renal pelvic cancer in women: 2nd lowest.

Leading cause of death in Canada

The Cancer Society says while the numbers are holding steady from last year the province will have the highest death rates in the country from 11 of the 40 cancers tracked in Canada.

Cancer continues to be the leading cause of death in Canada, causing 30 per cent of all deaths.

The report projects a 40 per cent increase in the number of cancer cases between 2015 and 2030. In light of that, the society says it's essential to reduce cancer risks across the board, from HPV to tobacco to obesity.

It estimates that almost half of all cancers can be prevented through healthy living and policies that protect the health of Canadians.

Information for the report is gathered by the Cancer Society from Statistics Canada and the Public HealthAgency of Canada.

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