A closer look at the figures
Our analysis has also found that certain groups are at higher risk of developing melanoma.
Among younger adults (under 55), women are more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma than men. This is likely due to younger women having more sun exposure from activities like sunbathing and using sunbeds.
But later in life, rates are higher in men, possibly due to long term sun exposure. It’s also likely that overdiagnosis, diagnosing cancers that wouldn’t go on to cause harm, could be playing a role in rising rates.
Protect to prevent
Most skin cancers start with damage caused by UV radiation, and one of the clearest signs of that damage is a sunburn.
When your skin burns, it shows that the skin has gotten too much UV exposure, which increases the risk of melanoma.
“Sunburn doesn’t only happen when it’s hot – it can happen on cooler or cloudier days too,” says Fiona Osgun, our head of health information.
But even if you’ve been sunburnt before, it’s never too late to start protecting your skin.
“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, wear a hat and sunglasses, and finally, wear sunscreen, with at least SPF 30 and four or five stars. Make sure you put plenty on and reapply it regularly.”
