One-in-four people in Exeter and surrounding areas who are diagnosed with the most serious form of skin cancer do not survive beyond five years, new figures have revealed.
The statistics from Public Health England (PHE) showed there were 138 new cases of melanoma – the most serious form of the disease – in Exeter, Mid and East Devon in 2012, with 14 people dying from the disease.
A total of 868 people were diagnosed with melanoma in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset that year – more than double the national average – and 108 people died as a result of the disease.
The figures released as part of a six week campaign to raise awareness of skin cancer found 25% of people in the region with melanoma did not live for more than five years.
Professor Debra Lapthorne, centre director of the Devon, Cornwall and Somerset PHE Centre, said: "Statistics show that those living in the Devon, Cornwall and Somerset area are at an increased risk of developing skin cancer compared to the rest of England.
"There could be any number of reasons for this but it's likely to be due to a high number of outdoor jobs and leisure pursuits as well as an older population.
"The campaign message is clear, if you notice any unusual or persistent changes to your skin, you should visit your doctor."
PHE said some people were more at risk of getting skin cancer than others, but knowledge of the risks was low.
Only one in three (38%) in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset know that people with lots of moles and freckles are more likely to get skin cancer, while only 32% are aware that a family history of skin cancer increases risk.
Of those diagnosed with melanoma in the region, four in five are over the age of 50.
Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council's Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said:
"In Devon we are fortunate to have a relatively reduced risk of developing life limiting diseases such as cancers. However, our rates of skin cancer are above the national average. Detecting it early can save lives."
The campaign is also focusing on the region's men who are more likely to die from the disease than women.
Studies found men are much less worried about developing the disease, with only one in three (34%) saying they are worried compared with more than half of women (56%).
Dr Adrian Burt, a GP who appears in the campaign adverts, said: "The earlier skin cancer is diagnosed, the more successful treatment is likely to be."
People who are aware of any changes to their skin are advised to see their doctor who will be able to assess whether further investigation is needed.
