Skin cancer is Britain's most common cancer

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Britain, with over 17,000 people diagnosed each year. It leads to around 2,100 deaths annually. Many people are unaware of how to recognize the signs of skin cancer, especially melanoma, a serious type of skin tumor. A survey found that 77% of people could not identify the signs of melanoma. Skin cancer cases are expected to rise significantly in the coming years. Cancer Research UK predicts a 50% increase by 2040, largely linked to increased sun exposure from holiday habits in the 1960s. Recent data shows that diagnoses reached a record 17,545 between 2017 and 2019. This number could grow to over 26,531 by 2040. There are two main types of skin cancer: melanoma and non-melanoma. Melanoma, the more dangerous type, sees around 13,000 new cases each year. Non-melanoma includes basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, with over 100,000 new cases annually. The risk of melanoma doubles after five sunburns, and one severe sunburn during childhood can significantly increase the odds of developing it later. Despite these risks, many people do not take precautions. About 75% of survey respondents admitted to getting sunburned in the past year, and 40% do not check their skin for cancer signs. It is essential for everyone to be aware of how to spot potential skin cancer early.