The overall incidence of cancer in Scotland has fallen steadily, but skin cancer has jumped, according to new figures.

The overall incidence of cancer in Scotland has fallen steadily, but skin cancer has jumped, according to new figures.

In the 10 years between 1996 and 2005, skin cancer increased by 43% among men and by 20% in women.

Malignant melanoma is now the ninth most common cancer among men and the seventh most common in women.

The most common reason for skin cancer, which claimed the life of Celtic legend Tommy Burns last month, is exposure to sunlight.

The figures, the latest available on cancer diagnoses in Scotland, were among a raft of statistics released by the government yesterday.

They also showed the number of women developing breast cancer almost reached the 4000 mark in 2005. Rates of the illness rose 9% in the decade from 1996.

Liberal Democrat public health spokesman Jamie Stone said: "It is worrying, but sadly unsurprising that increased alcohol consumption is cited as a possible explanation for the increasing incidence of breast cancer. It is really important that women in Scotland are made aware of the potential link between breast cancer and excess alcohol consumption."

Meanwhile, a drive to cut sickness absence in the National Health Service has failed with new data revealing staff are off work just as much now as ever before.

The health service phone line NHS 24 continues to have the biggest problem with workers off the equivalent of almost one day in 10.