Skin cancer rates have soared since 1970s

Recent statistics released by Cancer Research UK show that more than 13,000 people develop the deadly skin cancer, malignant melanoma each year, compared with around 1,800 in the mid-1970s.

The charity claims several factors have contributed to this rise, including the growing popularity of sunbeds and package holidays to Europe.

Now the fifth most common cancer in the UK, malignant melanoma is responsible for the deaths or more than 2,000 people each year.

It is estimated that annually, around 17,000 people in every 100,000 are diagnosed with the disease – a significant difference compared to just 3% in the 1970s.

Nick Ormiston-Smith, head of statistics at Cancer Research UK, said:

“Since the mid-1970s, malignant melanoma incidence rates in the UK have increased more rapidly than for any of today’s 10 most common cancers.

“Holidays in hot climates have become more affordable and sunbeds are more widely available since the 1970s. But we know overexposure to UV rays from the sun or sunbeds is the main cause of skin cancer.”

Experts consistently stress the importance of staying stay safe in the sun and avoiding sunburn – covering up with at least SPF15 sun cream and staying in the shade as much as possible.

Caroline Cerny, senior health campaigns manager at Cancer Research, said:

“Everyone loves getting out and about and enjoying the summer sun. It’s essential to take care not to burn – sunburn is a clear sign that the DNA in your skin cells has been damaged and, over time, this can lead to skin cancer.”

Skin cancer risk factors to be aware of:

• fair skin burns more easily
• moles and freckles
• light coloured eyes
• a personal or family history of skin cancer
• a history of sunburn.