Cases of the most serious form of skin cancer have reached a record high in the UK, with new figures showing annual melanoma diagnoses exceeding 20,000 for the first time. Cancer Research UK (CRUK) has issued urgent sun safety advice ahead of a bank holiday weekend when temperatures could hit 33°C in parts of the country.
The charity’s data reveals that 20,980 people were diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer last year, with nearly nine in ten cases caused by excessive UV radiation from the sun or sunbeds. Rates are driven by increased sun exposure, including sunbathing and sunbed use, and are projected to rise further, reaching over 26,000 cases per year by 2040.
Women are more likely to be diagnosed at younger ages, while men are more affected later in life. CRUK chief executive Michelle Mitchell said: “It's concerning to see the rising number of people being diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer across the UK. The fact that most of these cases are preventable underlines the importance of people taking sun safety seriously.”
In response to the rising rates, the Government has announced a 12-week consultation on new laws requiring mandatory age checks to prevent children using sunbeds. Under-18s are already banned from using sunbeds, but teens often bypass rules via contactless payment systems. The proposed measures would require staff to check ID and display health warnings.
Public health minister Sharon Hodgson said: “Sunbeds cause cancer and yet children as young as 14 are still accessing them illegally. That is not acceptable.” CRUK also advises people to seek shade, cover up, and use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and four or five stars, reapplying regularly.
Professor Peter Johnson, NHS England’s Clinical Director for Cancer, warned: “Sunbeds are not a harmless shortcut to a tan - we know they are a cancer risk, and under-18s should not be using them at all.” The charity urges anyone noticing unusual changes to their skin to contact their GP promptly.
