London: The number of people diagnosed with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, has surpassed 20,000 annually in the UK for the first time, according to new figures released by Cancer Research UK.
The latest data showed that 20,980 new melanoma cases were recorded in 2022, the highest figure ever documented in the country. The charity warned that the number of cases could continue rising and may reach 26,500 annually by 2040.
Experts say prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and sunbeds is a major contributing factor behind the increase. Cancer Research UK urged people to protect themselves by using sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and a four- or five-star rating, applying it regularly and generously, and seeking shade during the hottest part of the day between 11 am and 3 pm.
The warning comes as the UK prepares for a bank holiday heatwave, with temperatures forecast to reach as high as 33C in some areas, potentially breaking May temperature records.
Sun safety
Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, described the rising number of melanoma diagnoses as ‘concerning’ and stressed that many cases are preventable.
Mitchell encouraged people to take sun safety seriously and advised anyone noticing unusual skin changes, including new or changing moles, sores that do not heal, or unusual skin patches, to seek medical advice promptly.
The Chief Executive added that while many skin abnormalities may not be cancerous, early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes if cancer is detected.
The figures were released as the UK government considers introducing mandatory ID checks for sunbed users to prevent children under 18 from accessing tanning facilities illegally.
Sunbed regulations
According to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), teenagers are often able to bypass existing restrictions through unattended contactless tanning systems that allow customers to use sunbeds without staff supervision.
Under the proposed new rules currently under consultation, tanning businesses would be required to have staff present to verify customers’ ages before permitting access to sunbeds. The DHSC also proposed stricter health warnings and a ban on misleading claims suggesting sunbeds help with weight loss or prevent sunburn.
Public Health and Prevention Minister Sharon Hodgson said that it was unacceptable that children as young as 14 were still accessing sunbeds illegally. Hodgson stated that the government aimed to close loopholes allowing businesses to avoid age checks while ensuring people fully understood the health risks associated with sunbed use.
Following a 12-week consultation process, the proposed regulations could come into effect as early as next year. Separate figures showed that the UK recorded nearly 250,000 new skin cancer diagnoses in 2023, with treatment costs estimated at around £750 million annually for the NHS.
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