Increasing mortality from malignant melanoma among women in Northern Ireland.

Deaths from malignant melanoma in each part of the British Isles between 1969 and 1984 have been examined. There has been a substantial increase of deaths among women in each part, and an increase of similar magnitude among men in all areas except Northern Ireland. It is suggested that this difference requires further study. The increasing number of deaths from this disease indicates a need for greater public and professional awareness of this potentially preventable and curable condition.