Melanoma diagnoses in the UK have hit a record high, with 20,980 people receiving a diagnosis of the most serious form of skin cancer in 2022 – the first time the annual figure has surpassed 20,000, according to analysis by Cancer Research UK.
The charity projects that by 2040 the number could rise to 26,500 cases per year, representing increases of 23 per cent among men and 26 per cent among women. Incidence rates have soared by more than two and a half times (164 per cent) since the early 1990s and by approximately 26 per cent in the last decade alone.
Melanoma now ranks as the fifth most common cancer in Britain and the most common cancer worldwide. Around 2,600 deaths from melanoma occur annually in the UK, with mortality rates having increased significantly since the 1970s, particularly for men.
Why cases are rising – and how to prevent them
Cancer Research UK attributes the rising number of diagnoses largely to Britain’s expanding and ageing population. Michelle Mitchell, the charity’s chief executive, said: “The fact that most of these cases are preventable underlines the importance of people taking sun safety seriously.”
Approximately nine out of ten UK melanoma cases are linked to excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or sunbeds. Intermittent, high-intensity sun exposure – such as during holidays – is more strongly linked to melanoma than chronic exposure. Experiencing five or more sunburns doubles an individual’s risk, and research shows that getting sunburned just once every two years can triple the risk of developing skin cancer. Sunbed use also significantly increases risk, especially for those who start before the age of 35.
Climate change is also playing a role, with hotter summers increasing outdoor activity and UV exposure. For every 1 per cent decrease in ozone concentration, melanoma incidence could rise by 1 to 2 per cent.
The UK Health Security Agency and the Met Office have issued heat health alerts across England, signalling conditions that may pose risks to vulnerable individuals. Prof Peter Johnson, national clinical director for cancer at NHS England, said: “Melanoma skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers and these figures are a stark reminder of the importance of staying safe in the sun.” He added: “With sunny weather forecast this bank holiday, we want people to enjoy the sunshine sensibly by using high-factor sunscreen, covering up and seeking shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day.”
Health experts recommend seeking shade between 11am and 3pm, covering shoulders and wearing hats and sunglasses, and applying sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and four or five stars. Sun damage can occur even on cooler or overcast days, as UV rays penetrate clouds, warned Fiona Osgun, head of health information at Cancer Research UK. An estimated 86 per cent of melanoma cases are preventable.
Spotting the signs: the ABCDE method
Early detection is critical for survival, yet early melanoma symptoms are often subtle and can be mistaken for harmless skin changes, according to Dr Ayesha Bryant, clinical advisor at Alpas Wellness.
Medical professionals recommend the ABCDE method for checking moles and skin spots. Each letter stands for a warning sign:
A – Asymmetry. One half of the mole does not match the other half.
B – Border. The edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred rather than smooth and even.
C – Colour. The colour is not uniform across the mole. It may contain shades of brown, black, pink, red, or white.
D – Diameter. The spot is larger than roughly 6mm across – about the size of a pencil eraser.
E – Evolving. The mole is changing in size, shape, or colour over weeks or months.
Dr Bryant cautioned that not all melanomas display dark pigmentation. Amelanotic varieties may present as red, pink, or match the surrounding skin tone, which can delay detection.
She urged people to examine often-overlooked areas: “Self-examinations should include the scalp, the spaces between toes, and beneath fingernails.”
Research shows that melanoma distribution differs by sex. Around four in ten cases among men develop on the torso – the back, chest and stomach – while approximately 35 per cent of female cases appear on the lower limbs.
Individuals with fair skin, light hair, blue or green eyes, or who burn easily are at higher risk. People with 100 or more common moles, large or unusually shaped moles, or a family history of melanoma should also be vigilant. Reduced immunity and certain workplace chemicals are additional risk factors.
Dr Bryant stressed that early-stage melanoma generally presents without pain. “You shouldn’t wait for pain to seek medical evaluation. Early diagnosis offers better treatment options,” she said.
Fiona Osgun added: “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.”
Michelle Mitchell urged anyone noticing unusual skin changes – such as a new mole, an existing mole that changes, or a sore that does not heal – to contact their GP promptly. Survival rates for early-stage melanoma are extremely high: for Stage 1, nearly 100 per cent of patients survive for five years or more, and overall ten-year survival rates now exceed 9 in 10.