Skin cancer rates to reach record high – increasing by almost a third over past decade

SKIN cancer rates have reached an all-time high, increasing by almost a third over the past decade.

Cases of melanoma are projected to reach a record high of 20,800 in Britain this year.

Analysis by Cancer Research UK shows rates of melanoma surged from 21 to 28 per 100,000 people between 2007-09 and 2017-19.

The biggest spike has been in the over-80s, with diagnoses soaring by 57 per cent since 2014.

But 17,000 skin cancer cases every year are preventable, Cancer Research UK reports.

It says nine in ten are caused by too much ultraviolet radiation from sunlight or artificial sources such as tanning beds.

There was also a seven per cent rise in melanoma in 25 to 49-year-olds but experts are optimistic younger people are now taking greater precautions to protect their skin.

The rise is thought to be due to both the growing and ageing population, and a better awareness of the signs of melanoma leading to a higher diagnosis rate.

And while cases have grown, survival rates have doubled in 50 years.

Michelle Mitchell, chief executive at Cancer Research UK, said: "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.

“Make sure to take care in the sun and contact your GP if you notice unusual changes to your skin - whether a new or changing mole, a sore that doesn't heal, or an area of your skin that looks out of the ordinary.

"Spotting cancer early can make all the difference."

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM CANCER

UV from the sun can damage DNA in skin cells and cause skin cancer.

According to the charity, younger people are more aware of the link between the sun and skin cancer than those who are older, who may have taken advantage of the "cheap package holiday boom" from the 1960s onwards.

Figures show, however, that more people are surviving melanoma, with deaths expected to continue to fall.

Almost nine in 10 adults diagnosed with melanoma in England will now survive their disease for a decade or more.

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

"Whether you are enjoying the good weather abroad or here at home, it's important to protect yourself from too much sun, especially if you burn easily.

"Remember that sunburn doesn't only happen when it's hot - it can happen on cooler or cloudier days too.

"The best way to protect your skin when the sun is strong is to use shade, clothing and sunscreen together.

"Seek shade in the middle of the day, cover up with a shirt that covers your shoulders, a hat and sunglasses and wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and 4 or 5 stars.