Melanoma skin cancer cases in the UK have reached a record high, with over 20,000 people diagnosed in 2022 for the first time, according to new analysis by Cancer Research UK. The charity reported 20,980 cases of the most serious form of skin cancer, and projections suggest this could rise to 26,500 annually by 2040, driven by an ageing and growing population.
The warning comes as the UK braces for a bank holiday heatwave, with temperatures expected to reach 30°C in some areas. Yellow heat health alerts have been issued across England by the UK Health Security Agency and the Met Office, highlighting risks to vulnerable people.
Cancer Research UK chief executive Michelle Mitchell said it was concerning to see rising numbers, stressing that most cases are preventable. “Take care when the sun is strong by seeking shade, covering up and applying sunscreen,” she advised, urging people to contact their GP about any unusual skin changes.
Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the UK, with nearly nine in 10 cases caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun or sunbeds. Having five or more sunburns doubles the risk. The charity also noted that melanoma locations differ by gender: 40% in men occur on the torso, while 35% in women affect the lower limbs.
Fiona Osgun, head of health information at Cancer Research UK, emphasised that sunburn can happen even on cooler or cloudy days. She recommended using shade, covering up, and applying SPF 30 or higher sunscreen with four or five stars, reapplying regularly. “Even if you’ve been sunburnt before, it’s never too late to start protecting your skin,” she said.
NHS England’s national clinical director for cancer, Prof Peter Johnson, described melanoma as one of the most preventable cancers and urged the public to enjoy the sunshine sensibly. “If you notice anything unusual like a new mole or changing lesion, contact your GP – catching cancer early saves lives,” he added.
