Mole-mapping scheme to combat skin cancer widely criticised

A potential scheme to introduce free mole mapping to combat skin cancer has been widely criticised.

Earlier this week, Fianna Fáil TD Christopher O'Sullivan suggested the plans, saying that it had the potential to save lives in the long term.

However, it's widely felt that the scheme couldn't possibly work in Ireland, given that it has never been implemented in any other country, and logistically it would be impossible to put into practice.

Around 1,100 people are diagnosed with skin cancer in Ireland every year.

Betty Holmes, of Donegal Action for Cancer Care, feels that education is key to detecting skin cancer early.