It is concerning but true that melanoma cases in the UK have reached a record high compared to any other type of cancer. According to Cancer Research UK, approximately 17,500 cases are detected each year. You may be surprised to know the reasons for this increase. The rates of skin cancer have increased by 195% since the 1990s, especially among adults aged 55 and over. Melanoma is the most severe type of skin cancer and is the 5th most common cancer in the UK. However, surprisingly, 9 out of 10 melanoma cases are preventable through awareness and lifestyle changes. The reason behind the high rise of melanoma is ignorance. Sun tanning is quite popular in the UK, and people experience sunburn at least once a year. 28% of people use sunbeds, a known cause of melanoma. People are ignoring the warnings of the potential dangers of sun exposure and the use of sunbeds. It is shocking to learn that 32% of UK adults do not use any sunscreen though they have a long exposure to sunlight. Sun exposure at a young age can cause permanent DNA damage and can develop into skin cancer at any time during a person's life. To prevent this life-threatening cancer, UK citizens should be aware of and take measures to protect themselves from the sun. Skin experts recommend using a combined UVA and UVB sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. People should also wear a hat, sunglasses, and long sleeves to avoid direct sunlight exposure. It is good to avoid exposure to sunlight from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Last but not least, sunbeds are very dangerous for the skin, and it is better to avoid.
References:
- https://melanomafocus.org/news-blog/uk-public-ignoring-skin-cancer-risks/ ·
- https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/jul/07/skin-cancer-cases-reach-record-high-in-uk-with-sharp-rise-among-older-adults
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