New Skin Cancer statistics

Posted 01/04/10

CRUK have today issued new statistics showing that people in their 60s and 70s are now five times more likely to be diagnosed with malignant melanoma than their parents would have been. This huge rise in the deadliest form of skin cancer is believed to be a result of the shift of tanning habits in the 1970s with the increase in popularity of cheap package holidays and the arrival of sunbeds in the UK.  These figures are set to rise and it is calculated that skin cancer will become the fourth most common cancer for men and for women in the UK by 2024.

Sadly these worrying statistics have left the scientists at RAFT unsurprised.  For nearly a decade, RAFT has been carrying out research into the role of UV (found in sunlight) and has been giving advice on how to stay safe in the sun. For example, in 2006 we published research showing that rubbing in sunscreens decreases their efficacy at protecting against sun damage.  RAFT recommends that people use sunscreen without rubbing in and apply two layers for extra safety.  We are delighted that our research on sunscreen application is also being used by CRUK when giving advice on safe tanning.

RAFT will continue to do research into UV and how it damages skin in order to provide the public with well researched information so that they can make safe tanning choices.  In addition RAFT is working to find a new treatment for skin cancer.

As a charity, RAFT needs to raise every £1 it spends on research and receives no Government funding for this work. Your support is vital and we can assure you that all donations given to our skin cancer appeal (www.justgiving.com/raftskincancerappeal) will only go to fund our skin cancer research.