Sun Danger: Deadliest Skin Cancer On Rise

The deadliest form of skin cancer is rising at a faster rate than any other form of disease in Britain, new research reveals.

15272584 Cancer Research UK,  says the number of people diagnosed with malignant melanoma rose by more than 650 in one year, taking the total to 10,410 in 2006 – the most recent figure available.

Experts from the charity predict this number will rise to more than 15,500 by 2024, making the disease the fourth most common cancer among men and women.

Women are more likely to be diagnosed than men but males are more likely to die from cancer.

Cancer rates among men have risen fivefold whereas in women they have more than tripled.

As bank holiday temperatures reach the highest of the year so far, experts are concerned Britons are unaware of the dangers of too much sun.

They say binge tanning at home and abroad is contributing to the rise in people developing the disease.

Sara Hiom, Cancer Research UK’s director of health information, said: “With the rates of malignant melanoma in the UK rising faster than any other cancer, it’s more important than ever that people are aware of the dangers of getting burnt, either in the sun or from using sunbeds.

180 blood test

[Malignant melanoma]

“Most melanoma skin cancers are caused by over exposure to UV rays given off by the sun and sunbeds.

“But, crucially, if people are careful not to redden or burn, especially if they have fair, freckly or moley skin then most cases of malignant melanoma could be prevented.”

The charity advises people to spend time in the shade in the middle of the day, cover up with cool clothing and sunglasses, and apply plenty of sun cream of at least factor 15.

Popularity: 1% [?]