10.5 Mapping and geographical variation

Melanoma of the skin had a strong geographical pattern which was similar for men and women. Areas of higher relative risk were seen along the south coast from Cork to Wexford, and also along the east coast from Meath to Wicklow and in parts of Larne, Castlereagh, Ards, Down, Armagh, Craigavon, Banbridge, Newry and Mourne, Kerry, Limerick, Galway and Mayo (Map 10.1).

The pattern for men was similar to that for both sexes combined (Map 10.2)

For women (Map 10.3) the area of higher risk was slightly more dispersed around Dublin. Areas of higher relative risk were also seen in western parts of Galway and Mayo and in north Leinster.

Map 10.1 Melanoma of the skin, smoothed relative risks: both sexes

Map 10.2 Melanoma of the skin, smoothed relative risks: males

Map 10.3 Melanoma of the skin, smoothed relative risks: females