Sunbeds warning as skin cancer death toll hits new high

While new figures show deaths from most cancers are actually falling locally, the number of malignant melanoma deaths has almost doubled in the space of a year to 27.

The death toll – the highest since records began in 1985 – has prompted charities to renew their warnings, particularly aimed at the young, to cover up in the sun.

Elspeth Atkinson, Macmillan Cancer Support director for Scotland, said: "It is a tragedy that increasing numbers of people are dying from what is a preventable disease.

"We would urge people to stay safe by avoiding sunbeds, covering up and wearing sunscreen.

"It is also important to realise that malignant melanoma, if caught early, is very treatable.

"Some of the early signs of melanoma may be a mole that changes colour, bleeds or itches, or the development of a new mole. If you are worried about any changes on your skin you should visit your GP."

Caroline Cerny, Cancer Research UK's SunSmart campaign manager, added: "Unfortunately, the number of people with malignant melanoma is increasing dramatically – rates have quadrupled since the 1970s.

"However, most cases of skin cancer can be prevented by avoiding sunburn. Crucially, spotting skin cancer early saves lives."

The figures show 13 men and 14 women died from skin cancer in the Lothians in the last year.

Two of the perennial biggest killers in the Lothians – coronary heart disease and strokes – both fell from last year, the General Register Office statistics revealed.

A total of 1,355 people died from heart disease while there were 689 stroke fatalities, both down on previous years.

Total cancer deaths rose slightly, from 2,100 to 2,190, but there was some good news. The 109 men who died from prostate cancer was nine fewer than in 2008, while there were fewer liver-related deaths.

There were increases in both lung cancer (599 deaths) and breast cancer (136 deaths) across the Lothians last year, though both of those sections are known to fluctuate from year to year.

The GRO figures also showed there were 9,718 births in the Lothians last year, 7,429 deaths and 3,996 marriages.