Warning as skin cancer cases in UK reach record high amid link to 1960s cheap package holidays

Occurrences of skin cancer are on the rise in Scotland – and Cancer Research UK has linked a wider jump in diagnoses to the book of package holidays in the 1960s

The boom of cheap package holidays in the 1960s has been linked to a rise in a serious type of skin cancer among older adults, a charity has suggested.

Cancer Research UK said melanoma skin cancer diagnoses across all age groups have reached a record high, with 17,500 people diagnosed each year in the UK.

The charity pointed to a particular rise in cases among adults aged 55 and over.

People enjoying the warm weather on Bournemouth beach in Dorset. The boom of cheap package holidays in the 1960s has been linked to a rise in a serious type of skin cancer among older adults, charity Cancer Research UK has suggested. Picture: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire

Case rates among this age group have risen by 195 per cent since the 1990s.

Between 1993 and 1995, 21.3 people aged 55 and over were diagnosed with melanoma out of every 100,000. This rose to 62.9 cases per 100,000 in 2017-19.

The charity said: "The rise in rates in over-55s is likely to be linked to trends to have tanned skin and the cheap package holiday boom dating from the 1960s before people became more aware of skin cancer.”

Other factors could also be at play, including a growing and ageing population as well as more people getting their skin checked when they notice changes.

About 12,000 people are diagnosed every year with non-melanoma skin cancer in Scotland. Of these, around 3,000 are squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) – the second most common type of skin cancer in the UK.

The charity has estimated that across all age groups, melanoma skin cancer cases could increase by around 50 per cent over the next 20 years, hitting a record 26,500 a year by 2040.

But despite the rise in cases, deaths from the disease are decreasing, it said.

CRUK said early diagnosis and treatment means that more people than ever would survive the disease.

Cancer Research UK's chief executive Michelle Mitchell said: "Our new analysis paints a mixed picture for cancer patients and the staff who care for them - 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 per cent of these skin cancers could be prevented.

"It's important to take care in the sun and to contact your GP if you notice any unusual changes to your skin – it's not just changes to a mole that matter, it could be a sore that doesn't heal or any unusual changes to an area of your skin.

"Spotting cancer early can make all the difference."

Cancer Research UK's head of health and patient information Dr Julie Sharp added: "Whether you are holidaying abroad or enjoying the good weather closer to home, it's important to take steps to reduce your risk of skin cancer, especially if you burn easily.

"And remember sunburn doesn't just happen on the hottest days, you can still get burnt when it's cloudy.

"The best way to protect your skin when the sun is strong is to spend time in the shade, especially between 11am and 3pm in the UK, and to cover up with a T-shirt, hat and sunglasses.

"Wearing sunscreen will also help you stay safe in the sun. Make sure you put plenty on and reapply it regularly."

A new mole or a change in an existing mole may be signs of melanoma.