“I sat in complete silence for a while before I told my wife as I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to tell her without crying.”
Kieran Drinkwater with his daughters, Ivy and Eliza
A Lisburn dad has opened up about the emotional moment he was told he had skin cancer.
It comes a new analysis today from Cancer Research UK reveals that the number of cases from the most serious form of skin cancer – melanoma – have hit record highs in Northern Ireland, as the charity urges people to stay safe in the sun.
The charity warns that these numbers are set to soar. By 2040, there could be a record around 790 new cases of the disease every year. That’s an increase of 89% in men, and 56% in women.
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Kieran Drinkwater was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in spring 2021. Months earlier, he had been taking part in a family quiz over Zoom during the Covid -19 pandemic when his mum first remarked on a mole on his forehead which she felt may need further investigation.
As Northern Ireland was still in lockdown and many GPs were not seeing patients face to face, Kieran was asked to send a photograph of the mole to the doctor’s surgery. An urgent referral to hospital was made. After the mole was removed, the biopsy results confirmed that Kieran had melanoma.
Kieran, 39, said: “I was in shock when I was told I had cancer. I sat in complete silence for a while before I told my wife as I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to tell her without crying.”
Kieran had a second operation in June 2021 to ensure any remaining cancer cells were removed and in August was told the cancer had gone. Today civil servant Kieran is keen to raise awareness about sun safety and to support Cancer Research UK’s work.
In May 2023, Kieran, along with his daughters, Ivy and Eliza were chosen to sound the starter horn at Race for Life Belfast sending participants in the 3k and 5k on their way in the grounds of Stormont to raise funds for life-saving research.
Kieran added: “If you are concerned about suspicious looking moles or any other changes, you shouldn’t ignore them. Get them checked out by a GP.”
Women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer at younger ages. However, in later life, rates are higher in men. Higher rates in younger women are likely to be driven by more sun exposure, including sunbathing and sunbed use.
For older men, higher rates may be linked to long-term sun exposure. It’s also likely that overdiagnosis, diagnosing cancers that wouldn’t go on to cause harm, could be playing a role in rising rates.
Kieran with daughters Ivy and Eliza at the Cancer Research UK Race for Life Belfast at Stormont
Almost 8 in 10 melanoma cases in Northern Ireland are caused by too much UV radiation from the sun and sunbeds, so staying safe in the sun is key to reducing the risk of skin cancer.
Overall increases in skin cancer cases largely reflect Northern Ireland’s growing and ageing population. Meanwhile, an increased public awareness of melanoma has also contributed to more people being diagnosed with, and treated for, the disease.
Fortunately, vital developments in research, early diagnosis and treatment are helping people with melanoma skin cancer to live longer, better lives.
With sunny weather expected this bank holiday weekend, Cancer Research UK wants people to enjoy the sun safely. The charity is advising people to spend time in the shade, cover up their skin and apply sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 and a four or five star rating.
Chief executive officer of Cancer Research UK, Michelle Mitchell, said: “It’s concerning to see the rising number of people being diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer. The fact that most of these cases are preventable underlines the importance of people taking sun safety seriously.
“Take care when the sun is strong by seeking shade, covering up and applying sunscreen and, if you notice any unusual changes to your skin, contact your GP. Whether it is a new or changing mole, a sore that doesn’t heal, or an area of your skin that looks out of the ordinary, it’s important to get it checked out. It probably won’t be cancer, but if it is, getting it diagnosed and treated early can make all the difference.”
With warmer weather fast approaching, more people are likely to head outside when the UV index is moderate or high. Cancer Research UK and NIVEA Sun have joined forces to share advice and tips on how people can enjoy the sun safely
- Seek shade – Especially between 11am and 3pm in the UK. Take a break under trees, umbrellas, and canopies, or go indoors.
- Cover up – With clothes, a wide-brimmed hat and UV protection sunglasses. Clothing should cover your shoulders. The more skin that’s covered by your clothing, the better the protection.
- Apply sunscreen – With at least SPF 30 and four or five stars. Make sure to reapply it regularly and generously, especially after swimming, sweating, or towelling.
For more sun safety advice visit cruk.org/sunsafety.
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