- UK melanoma cases rise, predicted 20,800 cases this year
- UV radiation causes 90% of preventable melanoma cases
- Elderly diagnoses increased most; sun safety urged by Cancer Research UK
The number of melanoma skin cancer cases in the UK is on the rise, and a cancer charity is urging individuals to take additional precautions to safeguard themselves from the sun.
This year, Cancer Research UK anticipates a record-breaking 20,800 cases diagnosed, a significant increase from the annual average of 19,300 cases between 2020 and 2022.
Its analysis indicates that the cases per 100,000 individuals increased by nearly one-third between 2009 and 2019, from 21 to 28.
The increase in diagnoses is partially attributable to the aging population and the growing awareness of the symptoms of skin cancer.
The report indicates that approximately 17,000 melanoma cases annually are preventable, with nearly nine out of ten cases being caused by excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Melanomas are a severe form of skin cancer that has the potential to metastasize to other regions of the body.
Additionally, there are non-melanoma skin malignancies, which are typically more prevalent and less severe than melanoma.
The increase in cases has affected all age groups, but the seniors have experienced the most significant gains. Specifically, diagnoses in adults over 80 have increased from 61 to 96 cases per 100,000 people over a decade, according to Cancer Research (CRUK).
Additionally, the charity’s analysis indicates that the number of adults between the ages of 25 and 49 has increased.
The rate for this demographic has increased from 14 to 15 per 100,000 individuals over the course of a decade.
Scientists contend that younger individuals are considerably more cognisant of the correlation between ultraviolet radiation and skin cancer than their elders.
This could indicate that they are more inclined to exercise caution in the sun than older individuals born when tanning hazards were less well-known.
According to researchers, a significant number of individuals also exploited the discount package holiday growth that originated in the 1960s.
“I was never a sun-bather, but I did burn.”
Caroline Jones, 57, of Shrewsbury, was diagnosed with skin cancer in 2018 after noticing a small lesion on her leg.
She stated, “It was small and shiny, with a black portion in the center.” It simply needed to be visually appealing.
The most alarming aspect is that I would have missed it if it had been on my back. However, I am still alive today because I promptly visited the doctor after observing the incident.
Caroline’s melanoma was detected at an early stage, and she is currently cancer-free following surgery to remove it. Although I have never been a sunbather, I have suffered from severe sunburns each time I have traveled abroad.
She stated that this is equivalent to approximately five instances of falling unconscious in the sun for a few hours.
“Seize the opportunity: Sign up for Webull UK and receive free shares!”
I aspire to inspire individuals to reflect on their behaviors and exercise caution while basking in the sun.
Michelle Mitchell, the chief executive of CRUK, has stated that the survival rate for malignancies, such as melanoma, is continuing to increase, which is indicative of the significant advancements made possible by research.
However, she emphasizes that individuals must attempt to mitigate their risk of contracting the disease.
“Ensure that you exercise caution in the sun and report any unusual changes to your physician, including a new or changing mole, a sore that fails to heal, or an area of your skin that appears abnormal.”Early detection of malignancy can be crucial.
In England, approximately nine out of every ten adults who have been diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer will survive the disease for ten years or longer.
Sun safety recommendations:
- Between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., spend time in the shadows.
- Refrain from burning.
- Wear sunglasses and appropriate attire, such as a long-sleeved top and wide-brimmed hat.
- Exercise caution when dealing with minors.
- Consistently apply sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30
