Cases of the most severe type of skin cancer have hit a new peak in the UK, with warnings about sun safety issued ahead of an anticipated heatwave. Recent data from Cancer Research UK (CRUK) reveals that the yearly incidence of new melanoma skin cancer cases in the UK has surpassed 20,000 for the first time. The organization is urging the public to be cautious in the sun as temperatures are forecasted to reach up to 33C in some parts of the nation over the upcoming bank holiday weekend.

The statistics indicate that females are more prone to being diagnosed with this skin cancer at younger ages, while it becomes more prevalent in males later in life. The rise in rates is attributed to increased sun exposure, including activities like sunbathing and using sunbeds. Concurrently, the government has proposed mandatory age verification checks to prevent children from accessing sunbeds.

Michelle Mitchell, the CEO of CRUK, expressed concern over the escalating number of melanoma skin cancer cases in the UK, emphasizing that most of these cases are preventable. She stressed the importance of individuals taking sun safety seriously by seeking shade, covering up, applying sunscreen, and promptly consulting a doctor if any unusual changes in the skin are noticed.

The latest data indicates that 20,980 individuals were diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer, with nearly 90% of cases in the UK attributed to excessive UV radiation from the sun and sunbeds. The overall increase in skin cancer cases mirrors the country’s expanding and aging population.

CRUK projects that the number of individuals diagnosed with the most severe form of skin cancer will exceed 26,000 annually by 2040, representing a projected 23% increase in men and a 26% increase in women by that time. The charity has partnered with NIVEA Sun to offer three sun safety tips for the upcoming bank holiday weekend.

Fiona Osgun, the head of health at CRUK, highlighted that sunburn indicates skin damage and stressed the importance of sun protection measures such as seeking shade, covering exposed skin, wearing a hat and sunglasses, and using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. The government has also initiated a 12-week consultation on implementing a new law mandating ID checks to prevent underage sunbed use as part of the National Cancer Plan.

Sharon Hodgson, the public health minister, emphasized the dangers of sunbeds in causing cancer and expressed the need to prevent children from accessing them illegally. The proposed regulations aim to enforce ID checks, ensure staff supervision, and display health warnings at sunbed facilities.

NHS England’s Clinical Director for Cancer, Professor Peter Johnson, reiterated the cancer risks associated with sunbed use and emphasized that individuals under 18 should not use them. The higher skin cancer rates in older men are possibly linked to prolonged sun exposure, with potential overdiagnosis also contributing to the rising incidence rates.

Ms. Mitchell advised individuals to promptly seek medical attention for any suspicious skin changes, emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment if cancer is detected.