Cancer Research UK predicts there will be a record 20,800 cases diagnosed this year – up from a yearly average of 19,300 between 2020 and 2022.

Its analysis shows rates rose by almost a third, externalbetween 2009 and 2019 – from 21 to 28 cases per 100,000 people.

The rise in diagnoses is due partly to a growing ageing population and an increase in awareness of the signs of skin cancer.

The report suggests around 17,000 melanoma cases every year are preventable – with almost nine in 10 caused by too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Melanomas are a serious type of skin cancer that can spread to other parts of the body.

There are also non-melanoma skin cancers, which are generally more common and usually less serious than melanoma.

According to Cancer Research (CRUK) the rise in cases has covered all age groups but the biggest increases are in the older age groups – particularly in adults over 80, where diagnoses have risen from 61 to 96 cases per 100,000 people over a decade. 

There has also been a rise among adults aged between 25 and 49, according to the charity’s analysis. 

For this group the rate has gone up from 14 to 15 per 100,000 people over 10 years.

The Effects of Sunburn

From my own point of view, I can remember holidays with my two sisters and my mum and dad. That would’ve been around 1980 – that’s when the damage was caused. Once that damage is done, it cannot ever be repaired.

It is suggested that burning once every two years in your early years can increase the chances of skin cancer by 3 times.

Like most people, I did not deliberately go out to seek the sun. I just fell asleep on the beach after swimming in the sea. That time there was a lack of knowledge and importance of sunscreen.

My fate was sealed at that point!

Sun Safety Tips

Now more than ever before it’s massively important to remember to take care of not only yourself, but your loved ones too.

Using the mantra slap, slap, slop we could really help make a difference to reduce the numbers of diagnosis in the future.

PREVENTION IS BETTER AND CHEAPER THAN CURE.

Education and awareness of skin cancer is massively important and it is one of my great passions to try to influence the way that people think about their skin. Skin covers 90% of our bodies and it is our largest living organ. We look after our hearts, our lungs, our livers and everything else.

I was really lucky to be invited on the BBC One breakfast program to discuss skin cancer with Nina Warhurst and John Kay. Consultant Dermatologist, Dr. Faisal Ali was also present.

Here is the interview in full.