StoryMag
Melanoma skin cancer cases are at an all-time high. In the UK, only 20,800 people are likely to be diagnosed this year.
A Cancer Research UK study shows that the number of people having melanoma has gone up by almost a third in ten years, from 21 to 28 per 100,000 people from 2007–09 to 2017–19.
The number of people over 80 years old rose by 57%, and the number of people ages 25 to 49 increased by 7%.
According to Cancer Research UK, there is a chance of preventing 17,000 melanoma cases each year. Too much ultraviolet (UV) light was the culprit in almost 90% of these cases.
UV rays from the sun can hurt skin cells’ DNA and lead to skin cancer.
Make sure to take care in the sun and contact your GP if you notice any unusual changes to your skin – whether a new or changing mole, a sore that doesn’t heal, or an area of your skin that looks out of the ordinary
Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, Michelle Mitchell.
The charity suggests people stay in the shade, especially from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and wear clothes, a wide-brimmed hat, and glasses that block UV rays.
Researchers say that every two hours, you should put on sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and 4 or 5 stars.
Also Read: 5 Healthy SkinCare Habits
Michelle Mitchell, CEO of Cancer Science UK, said, “Survival from cancers, including melanoma, continues to improve, showing the huge progress made possible by research.”
“But it’s very important for people to try to avoid getting the disease in the first place.”
“Be careful in the sun, and see your doctor if you notice any changes to your skin that don’t seem normal. This could be a new or changing mole, a sore that won’t heal, or an area of your skin that looks different.”
“Early detection of cancer could make the difference.”
The younger people are more aware, according to the charity, of the correlation between solar exposure and skin cancer than their elder counterparts, who may have benefited from the “cheap package holiday boom” beginning in the 1960s.
In addition to an aging and expanding population, increased awareness of the symptoms of skin cancer also contributes to the rise in cases.
However, data indicates that an increasing number of individuals are managing melanoma, and it is anticipated that the mortality toll will continue to decline.
Presently, in England, nearly nine out of ten adults who have been diagnosed with melanoma will have the disease for a decade or longer.
Getting sunburnt just once every two years can triple the risk of developing skin cancer, compared to never being burnt
According to Dr. Claire Knight, a senior health information manager at Cancer Research UK, the risk of developing skin cancer is three times greater if one is sunburned, even once every two years, as opposed to never being burned.
“Whether you are at home or enjoying the pleasant weather abroad, it is crucial to protect yourself from excessive sun exposure, especially if you are prone to sunburn.”
“Keep in mind that sunburn can occur on cloudier or cooler days as well as at high temperatures.”
Combining sunscreen, shade, and apparel is the most effective method of skin protection during intense sunlight.
“During the middle of the day, seek shade, cover up with a shirt that falls over the shoulders, a hat, and sunglasses; and apply sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 and four or five stars.” Ensure adequate application and reapplication regularly.
Experts reported last month that British patients are undergoing testing of the world’s first personalised mRNA cancer jab for melanoma, which also has the potential to prevent lung, bladder, and renal cancer.
In a matter of weeks, the “game-changer” injection, which offers the possibility of a recovery, is individualised for each patient.
In a phase 2 trial involving the pharmaceutical companies Moderna and MSD, the injection was found to significantly reduce the recurrence risk of the disease in melanoma patients.
An ongoing final phase 3 trial is under the direction of the University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
