Skin cancers hit record high as Brits warned to be safe in the sun this bank holiday

Cases of the most serious form of skin cancer have reached a record high in Britain amid sun safety warnings before an expected heatwave.

New data from Cancer Research UK (CRUK) shows annual new melanoma skin cancer cases in the UK have risen above 20,000 for the first time. The charity is urging people to stay safe in the sun as temperatures are expected to hit as high as 33C in parts of the country this bank holiday weekend.

The figures show women are more likely to be diagnosed with the skin cancer at younger ages but in later life it is more common in men. Rates driven by more sun exposure, including sunbathing and sunbed use. It comes as the Government today announces plans for mandatory age checks to stop children using sunbeds.

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CRUK chief executive Michelle Mitchell, said: “It’s concerning to see the rising number of people being diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer across the UK. The fact that most of these cases are preventable underlines the importance of people taking sun safety seriously.

“Take care when the sun is strong by seeking shade, covering up and applying sunscreen and, if you notice any unusual changes to your skin, contact your GP.

The latest annual figures reveal that 20,980 people were diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer. Nearly nine in 10 melanoma cases in the UK are caused by too much UV radiation from the sun and sunbeds. Overall increases in skin cancer cases largely reflect the UK’s growing and ageing population.

CRUK estimates that the number of people diagnosed with the most serious form of skin cancer is set to reach over 26,000 a year by 2040. That represents a 23% rise in men and a 26% rise in women between now and 2040.

The charity has partnered with NIVEA Sun to share three tips to help people stay safe in the sun this bank holiday weekend:

• Seek shade – Especially between 11am and 3pm in the UK. Take a break under trees, umbrellas, and canopies, or go indoors
• Cover up – With clothes, a wide-brimmed hat and UV protection sunglasses. Clothing should cover your shoulders. The more skin that’s covered by your clothing, the better the protection
• Apply sunscreen – With at least SPF 30 and four or five stars. Make sure to reapply it regularly and generously, especially after swimming, sweating, or towelling

CRUK head of health Fiona Osgun, said: “Sunburn is a clear sign your skin has been damaged. Whether you are enjoying being outside abroad or at home, it’s important to protect yourself from the sun.

“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, particularly in the middle of the day, cover up, especially your shoulders, and wear a hat and sunglasses and finally, wear sunscreen, with at least SPF 30 and four or five stars. Make sure you put plenty on and reapply it regularly. Even if you’ve been sunburnt before, it’s never too late to start protecting your skin.”

The Government today launches a 12-week consultation on a new law requiring ID checks to prevent children using sunbeds as part of its National Cancer Plan. Any businesses that make dangerous claims such as that sunbeds help with weight loss or prevent sunburn would be banned.

Public health minister Sharon Hodgson, said: “Sunbeds cause cancer and yet children as young as 14 are still accessing them illegally. That is not acceptable. Stopping cancer before it starts is the best thing we can do for families and the NHS.”

Under-18s are already barred from using sunbeds but teens often get around these rules through using contactless systems that let anyone tap and tan without any checks by a staff member. The new proposals would require staff to be present and check a customer’s ID and mean health warnings must be displayed.

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Professor Peter Johnson, NHS England’s Clinical Director for Cancer, said: “Sunbeds are not a harmless shortcut to a tan – we know they are a cancer risk, and under-18s should not be using them at all.”

For older men, higher rates may be linked to long-term sun exposure but the charity said it is also likely that overdiagnosis – diagnosing cancers that wouldn’t go on to cause harm – could be playing a role in rising rates.

Ms Mitchell added: “Whether it is a new or changing mole, a sore that doesn’t heal, or an area of your skin that looks out of the ordinary, it’s important to get it checked out. It probably won’t be cancer, but if it is, getting it diagnosed and treated early can make all the difference.”