Sun exposure is a major cause of malignant melanoma

Between 1992 and 2002 the incidence of malignant melanoma of the skin rose by 45% in men and 21% in women.

Mortality rates were relatively low, with 151 deaths in 2004. But there had been 31% more male deaths since 1994.

The Scottish Executive insisted it was on track for a 20% cut in premature cancer deaths by 2010.

Health Minister Andy Kerr expressed disappointment at the increase in mortalities, but stressed the numbers were low and more could be done.

Prevention campaign

"We know that sun exposure is a major risk factor for skin cancers including malignant melanoma even in a country with Scotland's climate.

"That's why we invest in the Cancer Research UK national skin cancer prevention campaign SunSmart."

The minister said awareness-raising campaigns aimed at highlighting the risk of unnecessary exposure to the sun were also being undertaken by NHS boards across the country.

Overall, male cancer rates between 1992-02 fell by 8%, but remained unchanged in women.

Andy Kerr highlighted sun awareness campaigns

Cancer deaths fell for both sexes between 1994-04, with 12% and 6% decreases in men and women respectively.

Mr Kerr said Scotland had some of the best treatment in the world with new drugs and modern radiotherapy equipment.

He welcomed a 27% decrease in the incidence and mortality of lung cancer in men. There was a 5% increase in cases of women with the illness but female deaths remained static.

He said that when the ban on smoking in public places comes into force in the spring, the incidence of smoking-related diseases will fall.

Meanwhile, breast cancer, the most common form in women, rose by 8% between1992-02, but there was an 18% fall in deaths between 1994-04.