More than 10,000 people have deadliest form of skin cancer
- 00:01:23
- ITN
More than 10,000 people have deadliest form of skin cancer
The number of skin cancer cases in the UK has exceeded 10,000, according to recent figures. Cancer Research UK found that binge tanning at home and abroad has led to the rise in the number of people developing malignant melanoma. A total of 10,410 cases were recorded in 2006 - up by 650 in one year - and experts predict this number will rise to more than 15,500 by 2024. Rates of the deadly cancer have more than quadrupled over the last 30 years, from 3.4 cases per 100,000 people in 1977 to 14.7 per 100,000 in 2006. Women are more likely to be diagnosed than men, with 5,600 diagnosed each year compared with 4,800 men. However, men are more likely to die from the cancer and rates among them have risen fivefold whereas in women they have more than tripled. Sara Hiom, Cancer Research UK's director of health information, said: "These figures show that a worrying number of people are being diagnosed with this potentially fatal disease. "With the rates of malignant melanoma in the UK rising faster than any other cancer, it's more important than ever that people are aware of the dangers of getting burnt, either in the sun or from using sunbeds. "Most melanoma skin cancers are caused by over exposure to UV rays given off by the sun and sunbeds. "But, crucially, if people are careful not to redden or burn, especially if they have fair, freckly or moley skin then most cases of malignant melanoma could be prevented. "We advise people to enjoy the sun safely by spending time in the shade in the middle of the day, covering up with appropriate cool clothing and sunglasses and applying plenty of sun cream of at least factor 15."
ITN | May 25, 2009
