Recent figures have shown that skin cancer rates in the UK’s North-East region have soared in the past two decades. It has also been reported that hundreds of people are diagnosed with skin cancer on a yearly basis and a dramatic increase in figures has been noticed. In addition to that, more people are being diagnosed with malignant melanoma, which is the most serious form of cancer.
The figures began rising due to increased use of sunbed, as well as people’s failure to use sunscreen and other means of precaution while out in the sun, especially during holidays. Moreover, the numbers from Cancer Research UK have shown that about 15 in every 100,000 people who live in the North East are diagnosed with malignant melanoma on a yearly basis.
An increase has also been noticed in men who are diagnosed with skin cancer. It has been reported that the figure has increased from 3.3 percent in each 100,000 people between 1990 and 1993, to 13.7 percent between 2008 and 2010. Similar changes have been noticed in women, as the figures have increased from 5.1 per 100,000 during the early 90’s to 15.8 cases per 100,000 people. Experts from Cancer Research UK say that people need to be more careful and aware of the dangers when they are exposing themselves to the sun. People with fair skin are more vulnerable to skin cancer.
In the UK, skin cancer is the fifth most common form of cancer and more than 2,000 people die due to the ailment every year.
Photo Credits: BBC
