Cancer
Cases of deadly skin cancer are set to treble over the next 30 years, according to Cancer Research UK.
A recent study conducted by Newcastle General Hospital, has revealed that, in comparison to their grandparents, children growing up today could be three times more likely to develop malignant melanoma at some point in their lives.
As the prevalence of the disease continues to rise, an increasing number of younger people will be more likely to develop skin cancer, the study states. Malignant melanoma accounts for less than one in ten skin cancer cases.Each year, more than 7,300 people are diagnosed with the disease and over 1,700 die from it. Women, in particular, are at most risk of developing the disease.
Professor Brian Diffey, head of department at Newcastle General Hospital, which ran the study, believes the increasing rates are mainly down to recent climate changes due to global warming and the UK's sun-worshipping culture. To combat this, he suggested that people should take extra care when spending time in the sun, and make sure they monitor their moles and skin blemishes.
"Acting promptly can save lives and early detection and treatment will give many melanoma patients an excellent prognosis," he said.
Agreeing with the need for greater emphasis on protection from the sun, Professor Robert Souhami, executive director of policy and communications at Cancer Research UK, believes most people can reduce the risk of developing skin cancer.
"We know that half of all cases of cancer can be prevented by making lifestyle changes," he said.
