Skin cancer on the rise in Cuba

Thousands of new cases of skin cancer are being reported in Cuba, a health official warned Monday. Around 5,000 new skin cancer cases are reported each year in the Caribbean island, said Olaine Gray of the Public Health Ministry at an annual national skin cancer awareness campaign on World Cancer Day. The main causes of the increase in skin cancer cases include Cuba's geographical location, its aging population, and the increasing popularity of tanning, according to Gray. Meanwhile, the thinning of the protective ozone layer and a decrease in cloud cover were allowing more cancer-causing ultraviolet radiation to come through, he said. Like many other countries, Cuba is marking the World Cancer Day on Feb. 4 with dermatologists taking part in educational activities to raise public awareness and promote prevention.