Melanoma skin cancer numbers reach record high in UK, shows study

The rateof melanoma skin cancer in the UK has reached an all-time high, with analysis showing a significant rise in the number of cases over the past decade, especially among older people.

The recent diagnosis increased by almost a third from 21 to 28 in every 100,000 people between 2007-09 and 2017-19, according to Cancer Research UK (CRUK) figures, with a 57 per centrise among the over-80s and a 7 per centrise in those aged 25 to 49.

The gap in awareness of ultraviolet (UV) light and skin cancer risk is likely the cause of the difference in skin cancer rates between younger and older generations.

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Younger people tend to be more informed about the dangers of UV light and skin cancer, while older generations may have grown up with less emphasis on sun protection.

Additionally, the rise of affordable package holidays in the 1960s exposed older generations to more sun exposure during a time when tanning was seen as desirable.

CRUK’s chief executive, Michelle Mitchell, said it was really concerning to see the number of people being diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer across the UK.

According to the projections, 20,800 cases will be diagnosed in the UK this year, of which close to 17,000 are avoidable. Almost 90 per centof melanoma is caused by too much exposure to UV light, which can damage DNA in the skin.

Beyond generational awareness, factors like population growth, ageing demographics, and increased recognition of skin cancer symptoms all contribute to the rise in cases.

However, despite the steady rise in cases, deaths from melanoma are expected to fall, as improvements in early diagnosis and treatment have doubled melanoma survival times in the past 50 years.

"Getting sunburnt just once every two years can triple the risk of getting skin cancer, compared with never being burnt,” said Dr Claire Knight, a senior health information manager at Cancer Research UK.

“The sunburn doesn’t only happen when it’s hot, it can happen on cooler or cloudier days too," Dr Knight added.

One should spend time in the shade, particularly between 11 am and 3 pm, cover up with clothes and UV-protection sunglasses and most importantly apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and four or five stars regularly.

(With inputs from agencies)