Skin cancer cases reach all-time high

With warm weather approaching, it’s time to start thinking about staying safe in the sun. 

And that’s just as important than ever, with new analysis showing that melanoma skin cancer rates have increased by almost a third over the past decade. 

In fact, researchers have projected a record high of 20,800 cases this year in the UK*.  

This rise may sound alarming, but it’s important to note that around 17,000 cases of melanoma each year are preventable. That’s because almost 9 in 10 cases in the UK are caused by exposure to too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and sunbeds.  

These figures highlight the importance of taking precautions to protect your skin from the sun and the dangers of sunbed use.  

What’s behind the rise?

This upward trend in melanoma cases is seen across all age groups, although researchers found that the biggest rise was in adults over the age of 80. This age group has seen an increase in incidence rates of 57% over the past decade.  

Rates are also rising for young adults between the ages of 25-49, with a 7% increase in incidence in the last ten years.  

It is likely that young people today are more aware of the link between UV and skin cancer risk than older generations. This could mean they are more likely to take precautions to stay safe in the sun.  

On the other hand, older groups might have known less about the dangers of tanning in their youth and may have taken advantage of the cheap package holiday boom from the 1960s, likely leading to increased sun exposure.  

But there are also other reasons behind this rise in skin cancer cases, such as the growing and ageing population. Improved awareness of the signs and symptoms of skin cancer likely means more people are visiting their doctor when they notice unusual skin changes, which has also contributed to record numbers of people being diagnosed in the UK.

Prevention is key 

Despite increasing cases, the mortality rate from melanoma is projected to continue to fall. This is thanks to research and improvements in early diagnosis and treatment, which have resulted in melanoma survival doubling in the last 50 years.  

“Survival from cancers including melanoma continues to improve, demonstrating the substantial progress made possible by research. But it’s vital that people try to reduce their risk of getting the disease in the first place,” said Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK.  

Getting sunburnt just once every two years can triple the risk of developing skin cancer, compared to never being burnt. So, whether you are enjoying the good weather at home or abroad, make sure to protect yourself from too much sun, especially if you burn easily. 

It is also important to remember that sunburn doesn’t only happen when it’s hot – it can happen on cooler or cloudy days too.