Cases of melanoma skin cancer in UK reach record high, charity warns

The number of people diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer in the UK has risen above 20,000 a year for the first time, according to new analysis from Cancer Research UK.

The charity said 20,980 new melanoma cases were recorded annually across the UK, and warned the figure could rise to 26,500 cases a year by 2040.

According to Cancer Research UK, the projected increase would represent a 23% rise in cases among men and a 26% increase among women over the next 15 years.

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer and is largely linked to exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun and sunbeds.

Related Article: TikToks promoting ‘dangerous’ sunscreen misinformation attract more engagement

The charity said nearly nine in 10 melanoma cases in the UK were caused by too much UV radiation from the sun and sunbeds.

Women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with melanoma at younger ages, while rates are higher among men later in life, according to analysis.

Cancer Research UK said higher rates in younger women were likely linked to sunbathing and sunbed use, while long-term sun exposure could contribute to higher rates among older men.

Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, said: ‘It’s concerning to see the rising number of people being diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer across the UK.

‘The fact that most of these cases are preventable underlines the importance of people taking sun safety seriously.’

Cancer Research UK acknowledged that rising case numbers partly reflected the UK’s ageing population and greater awareness of melanoma, which may be contributing to increased diagnosis rates.

Related Article: Nursing in Practice returns to Scotland with CPD event this September

Professor Peter Johnson, national clinical director for cancer at NHS England, described melanoma as ‘one of the most preventable cancers’.

He said: ‘These figures are a stark reminder of the importance of staying safe in the sun.’

Cancer Research UK urged people to protect themselves from sun exposure ahead of warmer weather and the bank holiday weekend, and recommended the following steps for reducing cancer risk:

• Spending time in the shade, especially between 11am and 3pm in the UK when the sun’s UV rays are at their strongest.
• Covering up with a wide-brimmed hat, UV-protection sunglasses and a loose shirt that covers the shoulders.
• Applying sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and four or five stars ‘generously and regularly’. All sunscreens should be applied regularly throughout the day, including ‘once a day’ and ‘water resistant’ products.

The charity stressed the importance of using all three steps together, even in cloudy or cool weather.

Related Article: Hierarchy of harm: nicotine alternatives in a post-tobacco era

The sun can be strong enough in the UK to damage skin from mid-March to mid-October, and over 90% of UV rays can pass through clouds and cause sunburn.

A version of this article was first published by our sister title The Pharmacist