Melanoma Cases Hit Record High as UK Government Launches Sunbed Consultation

More than 20,000 people in the UK were diagnosed with melanoma, according to the latest figures, marking the highest number ever recorded for the most serious form of skin cancer.

The rise recorded in 2022 has prompted renewed calls for stronger sun safety awareness and tougher regulation of sunbed use, particularly among young people.

Melanoma is one of the most preventable cancers, with nearly nine in 10 UK cases linked to excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and sunbeds.

Experts warn that cases are projected to climb even further, reaching around 26,500 diagnoses annually by 2040.

Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, described the figures as deeply concerning.

“It’s concerning to see the rising number of people being diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer across the UK,” she said. “The fact that most of these cases are preventable underlines the importance of people taking sun safety seriously.”

Timely Sunbed Consultation

After the latest statistics were published, the UK Government launched a 12-week consultation on strengthening sunbed regulations in England as part of the National Cancer Plan.

The consultation proposes tighter safeguards around commercial sunbed use, including mandatory ID checks, clearer health warnings and a ban on misleading claims suggesting sunbeds can help with weight loss or prevent sunburn.

Under-18s are already prohibited from using sunbeds, but concerns remain that some teenagers are bypassing restrictions through unmanned “tap and tan” systems that allow access without staff supervision.

British Association of Dermatologists welcomed the consultation, calling it a necessary step in reducing avoidable skin cancer risks among children and young people.

The organisation said stronger regulation is particularly important as melanoma rates continue to rise to record levels.

Why Cases Are Increasing

Experts from Cancer Research UK say there are several factors behind the increase in melanoma diagnoses.

An ageing and growing UK population naturally contributes to rising cancer rates overall. However, lifestyle and behavioural factors are also playing a significant role.

Analysis shows that women under 55 are more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma than men, likely linked to higher levels of sun exposure from activities such as sunbathing and sunbed use. In later life, diagnosis rates become higher among men, possibly due to long-term cumulative sun exposure.

At the same time, increased awareness of skin cancer symptoms and improvements in detection tools mean more melanomas are being identified earlier, helping improve treatment outcomes and survival rates.

Shade, Protect, Repeat

Health experts are encouraging people to follow simple sun safety measures whenever the UV index reaches three or above, when the sun is strong enough to damage skin.

Advice includes,  seeking shade, especially between 11am and 3pm,  covering up with clothing, wide-brimmed hats and UV-protection sunglasses and applying sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and four or five stars, and reapplying regularly.

Experts stress that protection is needed even on cloudy or cooler days, as more than 90% of UV rays can pass through cloud cover.

Fiona Osgun, head of health information at Cancer Research UK, warned that sunburn can happen even when temperatures are mild.

“Sunburn doesn’t only happen when it’s hot – it can happen on cooler or cloudier days too,” she said.