More than 20,000 people are now diagnosed with the deadliest form of skin cancer every year in the UK, with 2022 recording 20,980 new cases of melanoma – the highest number ever seen by Cancer Research UK.
New analysis from the charity projects that annual diagnoses will reach 26,500 by 2040, representing a 23% rise in men and a 26% rise in women. Over the past decade, melanoma incidence rates have increased by approximately 26% across the UK, with rates rising by around 22% in females and nearly 30% in males. Since the early 1990s, incidence has more than doubled – climbing 164% overall, with rates in females more than doubling (122%) and in males nearly tripling (220%).
Melanoma is now the fifth most common cancer in the UK, accounting for 5% of all new cancer cases, and is the 19th most common cause of cancer death, with around 2,600 deaths annually. Up to 90% of cases are caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and sunbeds, and Cancer Research UK estimates that approximately 86% of melanomas are preventable.
Women are more likely than men to be diagnosed at younger ages, often linked to sunbathing and sunbed use, while men tend to develop the condition later in life, tied to long-term sun exposure. Sunbeds are classified as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer – the same category as tobacco and asbestos. Using a sunbed increases the risk of melanoma by 20%, and the risk rises by nearly 2% for each additional annual session. Using sunbeds before age 35 increases the risk by 60%, and an estimated 440 melanomas and around 100 deaths each year in the UK are linked to sunbed use.
Having five or more sunburns doubles the risk of melanoma. Even a single blistering sunburn in childhood can significantly increase the risk of developing skin cancer later in life. Sunburn can occur on cooler or cloudier days because UV rays penetrate cloud cover. The Met Office has forecast an exceptional spell of warmth for the May bank holiday weekend, with temperatures potentially reaching 33°C in parts of southern England and the Midlands, which could break UK May and spring temperature records.
Spotting skin changes early can make all the difference
Cancer Research UK emphasises that early detection dramatically improves outcomes. Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of the charity, 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. 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.”
The charity notes that overdiagnosis – where cancers that would not have gone on to cause harm are identified – may also be contributing to the rising recorded rates, alongside increased awareness. But the key message remains consistent: anyone who notices a new or changing mole, a sore that fails to heal, or any patch of skin that looks unusual should contact their GP promptly.
Beyond moles, other warning signs include sores that do not heal and areas of skin that appear different from the surrounding tissue. Reflective surfaces such as sand and water can amplify UV radiation, making protection particularly important at the coast. Even when temperatures are moderate, the sun can be strong enough to cause damage in the UK between mid-March and mid-October. The “shadow rule” can help gauge sun strength: if your shadow is shorter than your height, the sun is strong and protection is needed.
Sun safety advice for the bank holiday
In partnership with Nivea Sun – a collaboration that has raised over £9 million for skin cancer research – Cancer Research UK is urging people to take three steps during the hot weather: seek shade, especially between 11am and 3pm; cover up with clothes that cover the shoulders, a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protection sunglasses; and apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and four or five stars, reapplying regularly and generously after swimming, sweating or using a towel, and applying about 20 minutes before going out.
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.”
‘Don’t delay speaking to your GP – it saved my life’
Rebecca Dance, a mother-of-two from Wokingham in Berkshire, was diagnosed with malignant melanoma at the age of 39. She noticed a suspicious mole on her back and went to her GP, who referred her to hospital where it was removed. Now 44, 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. I had my 40th birthday weeks before the surgery and I remember just breaking down on the night of it. In the run-up to the surgery, I would wake in the morning at 5am and cry and break out in tremors and sweats.
“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. Don’t delay speaking to your GP if you notice any changes – I believe it saved my life.”
