The mortality of skin cancer cases, or melanoma, in Malta increased by 76 per cent between 1993 and 2014, dermatology consultant Lawrence Scerri said.

During the same period, there was an increase of 103 per cent in cases in women and 78 per cent in men.

Around 50 new cases are diagnosed every year with the cancer, which claims the lives of 10 people annually.

These figures were brought up this morning during the launch of the 16th edition of Euro-Melanoma by the Maltese Association of Dermatology and Venerology together with the Health Promotion Department.

Melanoma Monday will be held on May 11 where the public can go to the screening clinic in Boffa Hospital to check out any suspicious moles. They can book a screening by calling 2298 7105 or 2298 7153.

The surgical removal of this form of skin cancer, caught in the early stages, leads to a survival rate of 90 to 95 per cent. However, the chances of survival once melanoma has spread beyond the skin are very low.

Between 1993 and 2012, 300 men and 370 women were diagnosed with malignant mela-noma and 62 men and 56 women died, according to figures released yesterday. This translates into an overall 17.6 per cent mortality rate.

Melanoma, which is undeniably linked to sun exposure, is by far the most common skin disease-related cause of death worldwide and cases are rising.

It is the most serious form of skin cancer. It may develop anywhere on the skin and within a pre-existing mole in 30 to 50 per cent of cases.