Skin cancer rates in UK reach record high

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By Lily Canter

Melanoma skin cancer cases have reached a record high in the UK, with more than 20,000 diagnoses in a year.

Cases are expected to climb to 26,500 a year by 2040, according to Cancer Research UK.

The warning comes as a heatwave hits the UK this week, drawing more people outdoors.

Nearly nine in 10 melanoma cases in the UK are caused by too much ultraviolet radiation from the sun or sunbeds, meaning people can reduce their risk by protecting their skin and avoiding sunburn.

'Take sun safety seriously'

Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, said: “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.”

More than 20,000 people in the UK were diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer in 2022, the most recent figures.