UK Skin Cancer Deaths Have Risen 150% Since 1970s

According to figures released by Cancer Research UK, melanoma skin cancer deaths have been increasing dramatically in the UK, with the rate rising two and half times since the 1970s.*

And the rise is greater in men than women, with death rates in men more than three times higher now than they were in the 70s. This could be partly explained by the fact that incidence rates rose faster in men and they are more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage.

But many of these deaths could be prevented as 86% of cases are linked to too much sun or sunbeds. The risk of developing melanoma is around three times higher in people who have had sunburn just once every two years. Even reddening of the skin or tenderness is a sign of sun damage.

91% of melanoma patients in England are diagnosed at an early stage, and 91% will survive their disease for five years or more. But since the early 1990s, melanoma incidence rates have more than doubled in the UK – which may partly explain the surge in deaths.

Michelle Mitchell, Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, said: “There are many benefits to going outside, felt now more than ever because of sustained periods of lockdown. But something we should all be aware of is sun safety and how to reduce our risk of melanoma.

“Even though many summer holidays on beaches abroad have come to a halt, you can still get burnt in the UK sun. With rates rising, it’s never been more important to stay safe in the sun and contact your GP if you notice any unusual change to your skin.” 

In the UK around 16,200 people are diagnosed each year with melanoma, making it the fifth most common cancer in the UK.**

Shane McCormick, previously a landscaper in the construction industry and now a Sales Director for Talasey, was first diagnosed with skin cancer on the base of his back in April 2017. He received treatment and final results came back clear. 

Shane was later diagnosed with secondary melanoma in November 2018 and he was told that the melanoma he’d had the previous year had spread. He underwent more treatment which ended in March this year and he’ll now have yearly scans for the next 5 years, of which the first was clear.

Shane said: “I used to be a landscape gardener and I now work with thousands of landscapers and builders. I worked outdoors most of the day alongside my dad who was also in the industry and we didn’t really think about covering up or using sunscreen - awareness wasn’t like it is today. I used to be out there working with my top off - I changed the way I work because of my experience. Everyone is talking about COVID-19, and it has been beautiful weather lately, but taking care of yourself in the sun is just as important as it’s ever been.”

“For me this has been a big learning experience. Whilst I can’t change it, I can tell my story and stop others from experiencing what I’ve been through.”

A recent YouGov survey published by Cancer Research UK and its partner NIVEA SUN showed around 4 in 10 UK adults say they have spent more time in the sun since the COVID-19 lockdown started, compared with the same time last year. So, when the sun is strong, it’s important to remember three pieces of key advice: 

• Seek shade – when the sun is strongest, between 11am and 3pm in the UK 
  
• Cover up with clothing – wear a T-shirt, hat and sunglasses 
• Apply sunscreen regularly – with at least SPF15 and 4 or more stars. Use it generously, re-apply regularly and use in combination with shade and clothing. 

References: 

*Based on the percentage change in melanoma skin cancer (ICD10 C43) mortality rates from 1.5 deaths per 100,000 people between 1971-1973 to 3.8 deaths per 100,000 people between 2015-2017 for persons, from 1.5 deaths per 100,000 men between 1971-1973 to 5 deaths per 100,000 men between 2015-2017 for men, and from 1.6 deaths per 100,000 women between 1971-1973 to 2.9 deaths per 100,000 women between 2015-2017 for women, in the UK.

The mortality rate increase is 149% for males and females combined, 80% for females and 233% for males. Late-stage at diagnosis of melanoma skin cancer is associated with male sex in England. Among adults aged 15-99 in England, 10% of males with a stage a diagnosis recorded are diagnosed at stage III or IV (late stage), versus 7% of females. 

CancerData. Cancerdata.nhs.uk. https://www.cancerdata.nhs.uk/stage_at_diagnosis. Published 2020. Accessed August 25, 2020.

Melanoma skin cancer incidence statistics. Cancer Research UK. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/melanoma-skin-cancer/incidence#heading-Three. Published 2020. Accessed August 25, 2020.

**Melanoma skin cancer is the 5th most common cancer in the UK, accounting for 4% of all new cancer cases (2017). Melanoma skin cancer statistics. Cancer Research UK. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/melanoma-skin-cancer#heading-Zero. Published 2020. Accessed August 25, 2020.

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