Warmer weather means people are more likely to head outdoors to enjoy the sun. But with skin cancer cases on the rise across the UK, it’s important to be sun safe while taking in the sun’s rays.

Our latest figures show that the annual number of melanoma skin cancer cases in the UK has reached a record high, and crossed 20,000 for the first time in 2022. By 2040, this number is expected to rise even further, to 26,500 cases a year. 

Despite the upward trajectory, there’s hope that this trend can be reversed. Melanoma is largely preventable by protecting the skin from too much UV (ultraviolet) radiation, which comes from the sun and sunbeds. When skin is exposed to strong UV rays without protection, it can become damaged, which increases the risk of skin cancer.

“It’s concerning to see the rising number of people being diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer across the UK,” says Michelle Mitchell, Cancer Research UK’s chief executive. “The fact that most of these cases are preventable underlines the importance of people taking sun safety seriously.”

Nearly 9 out of 10 melanoma cases in the UK are caused by too much UV radiation from the sun and sunbeds. By taking steps to protect the skin and prevent sunburns, people can reduce their risk of skin cancer. 

Behind the rise 

There are likely several reasons that are driving the rise in melanoma cases. One major factor is that the UK’s population is growing and ageing, which naturally increases the number of cancer cases overall.  

But this only explains part of the picture. People have become more aware of the signs and symptoms of skin cancer, and tools to detect melanoma are improving.

Though this means more people are being diagnosed, these new developments in research and early diagnosis are offering people with melanoma better treatment outcomes. 

A closer look at the figures 

Our analysis has also found that certain groups are at higher risk of developing melanoma.

Among younger adults (under 55), women are more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma than men. This is likely due to younger women having more sun exposure from activities like sunbathing and using sunbeds.

But later in life, rates are higher in men, possibly due to long term sun exposure. It’s also likely that overdiagnosis, diagnosing cancers that wouldn’t go on to cause harm, could be playing a role in rising rates.

Protect to prevent

Most skin cancers start with damage caused by UV radiation, and one of the clearest signs of that damage is a sunburn.  

When your skin burns, it shows that the skin has gotten too much UV exposure, which increases the risk of melanoma.  

“Sunburn doesn’t only happen when it’s hot – it can happen on cooler or cloudier days too,” says Fiona Osgun, our head of health information.  

But even if you’ve been sunburnt before, it’s never too late to start protecting your skin.

“The best way to protect your skin when the sun is strong is to use shade, particularly in the middle of the day, cover up, especially your shoulders, wear a hat and sunglasses, and finally, wear sunscreen, with at least SPF 30 and four or five stars. Make sure you put plenty on and reapply it regularly.”

If you notice any unusual changes to your skin – whether that’s a new or changing mole, a sore that doesn’t heal, or a mark or lump that looks out of the ordinary, make sure to contact your GP.  

You can find out more about the signs and symptoms of melanoma skin cancer on our About Cancer pages.