Skin Cancer Peaks In UK With Cases Rising Among Older Adults

An increase in the number of cases of skin cancer was evident in United Kingdom, especially with the sharp rise among older adults.

A report on The Guardian said an increase on the cases was observed among those who are 55-years-old and above.

It noted that Melanoma cases across all age groups have reached 17,500 a year in the UK, which is considered as the highest since records began.

Previous studies have shown that the case rates among those over 55-years-old have peaked by 195% since the 1990s.

Factors, causes of skin cancer

The Cancer Research UK said that the increase in skin cancer cases in this age group could be attributed to the trends to have tanned skin and the cheap package holiday boom dating from the 1960s or the period wherein people were not that aware of skin cancer.

Experts said that other factors such as the growing and ageing population and the preference of people to have their skin checked whenever they notice any changes.

The group warned that Melanoma skin cancer cases could spike by about 50% over the next 20 years, hitting a record 26,500 a year by 2040.

Fortunately, the number of deaths due to the disease has been decreasing because of early detection and treatment.

"While it's promising that more people are seeking treatment for skin cancer earlier and survival is improving, it's alarming that cases of the disease could soar over the coming years. Melanoma is the UK's fifth most common cancer, and we know that 86% of these skin cancers could be prevented," Cancer Research UK's chief executive, Michelle Mitchell told The Guardian.

The Cancer Research in UK also said the high temperature could be one of the reasons for the alarming increase of skin cancer cases.

The group emphasized how sun exposure is linked to skin cancer.

It explained that almost nine out of ten skin cancer cases in the UK are caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and sunbeds.

This overexposure will damage the DNA in a person's skin cells, which can build up over time and later result in skin cancer.

Symptoms of skin cancer one should look out for

A Mirror report warned that one should look out for moles when detecting early signs of skin cancer.

According to experts, Melanomas are often described as an uneven shape. They could have two different shaped halves and uneven edges.

When it comes to color, Melanomas often have a mix of two or more. In size, they tend to be bigger and they are often more than 6mm wide.

In some cases, doctors said one should be concerned when moles are swollen and sore, bleeding or itchy.

It is best to make doctor consultations when these symptoms manifested and have moles checked by physicians.

Physicians suggested reducing exposure to sun and avoiding skin cancer by spending time in the shade and covering up with a shirt and hat. Most importantly, one should regularly use a sunblock.