Skin Cancer on Rise in UK Women

Malignant melanoma – the deadliest form of skin cancer – is now the most common cancer for women in their 20s in the UK. According to Cancer Research UK, almost each day of the year, a UK woman between 20 and 29 is diagnosed with the deadly cancer. For women in their 30s, malignant melanoma has risen to be the third most common cancer.

The rise in melanoma is being attributed to binge tanning during holidays and the increasing use of tanning beds or sunbeds. SunSmart Caroline Cerny, manager for Cancer Research UK’s campaign, advises:

“Spending time on sunbeds is just as dangerous as staying out too long in sun. Sunbeds don’t offer a safe way to tan. The intensity of UV rays in some sunbeds can be more than 10 times stronger than the midday sun.”

According to SunSmart, risk factors for skin cancer include fair skin that burns easily, lots of moles or freckles, a history of sunburn (especially when young), red or fair hair, light-colored eyes and a personal or family history of skin cancer.

Those with one or more risk factors are advised to avoid sunburn by using shade, clothing and SPF 15 or higher sunscreen. Finding skin cancer early is crucial.

How are you protecting yourself against skin cancer?

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