Research shows that the number of cases of melanoma skin cancer in Britain is at an all-time high

The number of cases of melanoma skin cancer has reached an all-time high in Britain, according to an analysis, which shows a substantial rise in cases over the past decade, especially among older people.

According to figures from Cancer Research UK (CRUK), the number of new diagnoses increased by almost a third between 2007-09 and 2017-19, from 21 to 28 in every 100,000 people, with a 57% increase among the over-80s and a increase of 7% in people between 25 and 49 years.

The difference in trends is thought to reflect greater awareness among young people of the link between ultraviolet (UV) light and skin cancer risk. Older people knew less about the dangers of tanning and were the first generation to be exposed to the boom in cheap holiday packages that started in the 1960s.

CRUK chief executive Michelle Mitchell said it was “worrying” to see how many people in Britain were diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer. “The fact that the majority of these cases are preventable underlines how important it is that people take sun safety seriously.”

The charity’s forecasts suggest a record 20,800 cases will be diagnosed in Britain this year, of which around 17,000 will be preventable. Nearly 90% of melanoma cases are caused by too much exposure to UV light, which can damage the DNA in the skin.

Other factors, such as a growing and aging population and greater awareness of the signs of skin cancer, have contributed to the rising rates.

Despite the steady rise in cases, the number of deaths from melanoma is expected to continue to fall, the charity said. Improvements in early diagnosis and treatment have doubled survival times from melanoma over the last fifty years, with almost nine in ten adults in England diagnosed with the cancer now surviving for ten years or more.

“Getting sunburned just once every two years can triple the risk of developing skin cancer, compared to never getting sunburned,” says Dr Claire Knight, senior health information manager at Cancer Research UK. “Whether you’re enjoying the good weather abroad or here at home, it’s important to protect yourself from too much sun, especially if you burn easily.”

“Remember that sunburn doesn’t just happen when it’s hot,” she added. “It can also happen on cooler or cloudy days.” The charity advises people to spend time in the shade, especially between 11am and 3pm; to cover up with clothes, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection; and regularly apply a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and four or five stars.

The warning comes a month after doctors at University College London hospital launched a phase three trial of a potentially “game-changing” mRNA-based cancer vaccine for melanoma. The personalized treatment, which triggers the immune system to attack the patient’s cancer cells, is being further investigated for lung, bladder and kidney cancer.