Experts warn skin cancer risk is not just from holiday sun
- 19.07.2019
- JessicaMG
- Clinical-negligence, Personal-injury, Clinical-negligence, Personal-injury
Cancer Research UK has warned that skin cancer rates have ‘soared’ over the last ten years, particularly in men and younger adults and are urging people to cover up and protect their skin, even when in the UK.
Fifth most common cancer in UK
Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer here in the UK. There were around 16,400 cases of melanoma in 2016. Out of those, 3,400 involved people aged 25-49. The increase is being linked to the rise in cheap flights abroad, which has resulted in people travelling to warmer and sunnier climates more frequently.
The charity has warned that people need to remember to protect their skin, not only when on holiday but also whilst in the UK.
Health manager Karis Betts said: "Sun safety is not just for when you're going abroad. The sun can be strong enough to burn in the UK from the start of April to the end of September.
"It's important that people are protecting themselves properly both at home and further afield when the sun is strong.
"We want to encourage people to embrace their natural look and protect their skin from UV damage by seeking shade, covering up and regularly applying sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and four or five stars."
Increase in melanomas - men & young people
The UK has seen incidence of melanomas in men increase from 19 per 100,000 in 2004-7 to 29 per 100,000 men in 2014-2016 – a 53% rise in total.
Meanwhile, the number of 25 to 49-year olds diagnosed with the condition rose by 78% over the same 10-year period, from 9 in every 100,000 to 16 per 100,000.
According to experts, nearly nine in 10 cases of skin cancer could be prevented just by using a high factor sun cream. Experts also advise:
- Seek shade when the sun is strongest (between 11:00 and 15:00 in the UK)
- Cover up with clothing - wear a T-shirt, hat and sunglasses
- Use sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 – use generously and apply throughout the day at regular intervals
CRUK, said: "While some might think that a tan is a sign of good health, there is no such thing as a healthy tan, it's actually your body trying to protect itself from harmful rays."
Half a million people referred in twelve months
While NHS national medical director, Prof Stephen Powis, said: "Although cancer survival is at a record high, more people are getting diagnosed with melanoma and nearly half a million people were urgently referred for skin cancer checks in the last year.
"So it's vital that people take every precaution possible to protect their skin, particularly in the summer months, by wearing sunscreen and spending time in the shade."