Millions issued urgent skin cancer warning amid heatwave

More than 20,000 new cases of melanoma were recorded across the UK in 2022, according to Cancer Research UK, which says most of these diagnoses are preventable.

The charity is urging people to take sun safety seriously, especially ahead of the bank holiday weekend, by covering up, seeking shade, and using sunscreen.

Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, told PA: “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.

“Take care when the sun is strong by seeking shade, covering up and applying sunscreen and, if you notice any unusual changes to your skin, contact your GP.

“Whether it is a new or changing mole, a sore that doesn’t heal, or an area of your skin that looks out of the ordinary, it’s important to get it checked out.

“It probably won’t be cancer, but if it is, getting it diagnosed and treated early can make all the difference.”

Cancer Research UK’s latest figures show that melanoma cases have reached 20,980 in a single year, the highest on record.

The charity estimates cases will rise to 26,500 annually by 2040, an increase of 23 per cent among men and 26 per cent among women.

Women are more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma at younger ages, often linked to sunbed use and sunbathing.

Men, however, experience higher rates later in life, usually due to long-term sun exposure.

Cancer Research UK also said that increased awareness and some degree of overdiagnosis may be contributing to the rising numbers.

The charity, in partnership with Nivea Sun, is advising the public to protect their skin ahead of the sunny weather.

Its recommendations include seeking shade between 11am and 3pm, covering up with clothing, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protection sunglasses, and using sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and four or five stars.

Fiona Osgun, head of health information at Cancer Research UK, said: “Sunburn is a clear sign your skin has been damaged.

“Whether you are enjoying being outside abroad or at home, it’s important to protect yourself from the sun.

“Sunburn doesn’t only happen when it’s hot – it can happen on cooler or cloudier days too.”

Rebecca Dance, a mother of two from Wokingham, Berkshire, was diagnosed with malignant melanoma at the age of 39.

She said: “My whole life flashed in front of me because I just thought ‘oh my God, I’ve got cancer’.

“I was panicked and upset.

“I tried to live life as normal as I could between the diagnosis and surgery, but it was weighing on my mind.

“I’m a single parent and my worst fear was dying.

“There’s this perception that skin cancer only happens to people who use sunbeds or sunbathe.

“But I’m a normal person that’s just got very pale skin and a lot of moles and it happened to me, too.”

Ms Dance urged others not to delay seeking medical advice.

She said: “Don’t delay speaking to your GP if you notice any changes – I believe it saved my life.”

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer and can spread to other parts of the body if not treated early.

Symptoms to look out for include new moles or changes to existing ones, sores that do not heal, or any unusual marks on the skin.

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