Statisticians from the leading charity Cancer Research UK report a worrying rise in cases of malignant melanoma in Britain. The latest data show that there were over 10,400 cases of this dangerous disease in 2006 – a record high.

Summary

Statisticians from the leading charity Cancer Research UK report a worrying rise in cases of malignant melanoma in Britain. The latest data show that there were over 10,400 cases of this dangerous disease in 2006 – a record high. If left unchecked, malignant melanoma will be the fourth most common cancer by the year 2024. Tanning, either in sunlight or on sunbeds, is a major cause of this cancer and people should protect themselves from undue exposure to ultra violet light.

Introduction

While many types of skin cancer are easily cured, malignant melanoma is different – it is potentially fatal. Most cases could be prevented, though, if people avoided so-called ‘binge’ tanning, involving over exposure to either natural sunlight or ultra violet light on a sun bed.

What was done

Data on malignant melanoma cases in the United Kingdom was analyzed by statisticians at Cancer Research UK.

What was found

In 2006, the last year for which complete data are available, there were over 10,400 cases of malignant melanoma. This is a record high and a rise of 650 cases on the previous year. During the last 30 years, rates of malignant melanoma have more than quadrupled, from 3.4 per 100,000 of the population in 1977 to 14.7 cases per 100,000 in 2006. By 2024, there could be more than 15,500 cases making this formerly rare cancer the fourth most common cancer.

More women are diagnosed with the disease but more men die of it. Rates of melanoma in men have gone up five fold and among women three fold, according to the study. In other words, rates of melanoma are going up faster than any other kind of cancer in the UK.

What this study means

People are more exposed to the sun than they used to be – cheap flights mean a holiday in a sunny destination is within most people’s means. And clothing is skimpier, and tanning on sunbeds fashionable. Exposure to the ultra violet rays given off by the sun and sunbeds is a major risk factor for malignant melanoma, so people should protect themselves. Stay in shade at peak hours of sunshine, apply plenty of sun cream and stay away from sunbeds. Those with a fair, freckly or moley skin are most at risk.

Source

Cancer Research UK  May 22 2009