Michelle Mitchell warns on 20,980 melanoma diagnoses and Uv Index
Michelle Mitchell said the rise in melanoma cases across the UK is concerning after the uv index-linked cancer reached 20,980 diagnoses in 2022, the first time the total went above 20,000. Cancer Research UK said the figure points to a larger burden of preventable skin cancer as hot weather and yellow heat health alerts came ahead of a bank holiday weekend.
Melanoma cases in 2022
The 20,980 diagnoses made melanoma the fifth most common cancer in the UK. Cancer Research UK projected the country could record 26,500 new melanoma cases every year by 2040, including a 23% increase in men and a 26% increase in women.
Mitchell, the charity's chief executive, said: “The fact that most of these cases are preventable underlines the importance of people taking sun safety seriously,” Mitchell said. “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.”
UV exposure and sunburn
Nearly nine in 10 melanoma cases in the UK are caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun and sunbeds, and having five or more sunburns doubles the risk of melanoma. Fiona Osgun, head of health information at Cancer Research UK, said: “Sunburn is a clear sign your skin has been damaged.” She added: “Sunburn doesn’t only happen when it’s hot – it can happen on cooler or cloudier days too.”
Osgun said: “The best way to protect your skin when the sun is strong is to use shade, particularly in the middle of the day. Cover up, especially your shoulders, and wear a hat and sunglasses and finally, wear sunscreen, with at least SPF 30 and four or five stars.”
NHS England and hot weather
Prof Peter Johnson, national clinical director for cancer at NHS England, said: “Melanoma skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers and these figures are a stark reminder of the importance of staying safe in the sun.” The warning came as the UK Health Security Agency and the Met Office issued yellow heat health alerts across England ahead of a bank holiday weekend forecast to reach up to 30C in some parts of the country.
For people spending time outdoors, the practical next step is to follow the sun-safety advice Mitchell and Osgun set out: shade, clothing, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Anyone who notices a new or changing mole, a sore that does not heal, or skin that looks out of the ordinary is being told to contact a GP.
