As reported by the BBC, skin cancer diagnoses in the UK have reached a record high, with new figures showing melanoma cases have exceeded 20,000 in a single year for the first time
Analysis by Cancer Research UK found that 20,980 people were diagnosed with melanoma in 2022, the highest annual figure recorded for the deadliest form of skin cancer.
The charity said most cases are linked to avoidable exposure to ultraviolet radiation, including from sunlight and sunbeds, with experts estimating that around 90% of melanomas could be prevented.
Younger women continue to see higher diagnosis rates, which researchers associate with greater sun exposure and sunbed use, while men are more likely to develop melanoma later in life after years of accumulated UV damage.
Researchers also noted that rising awareness and improved detection may partly explain the increase in recorded cases, alongside concerns about overdiagnosis.
The government has meanwhile warned that some teenagers may still be accessing sunbeds despite the ban on under-18s, including through unmanned payment systems that allow use without age checks.
Health organisations are continuing to encourage the public to reduce their risk by using sunscreen, staying in the shade and limiting exposure to strong sunlight.
Be the first to comment