UK melanoma diagnoses hit record 20,980 in 2022

The number of people diagnosed with melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, has reached a record high in the United Kingdom, according to new data from Cancer Research UK. The charity reported 20,980 new cases in 2022, marking the first time the annual figure has exceeded 20,000.

The organization issued the figures alongside a sun safety warning ahead of a bank holiday weekend forecast to bring high temperatures. Officials said nearly nine in ten melanoma cases in the UK are caused by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or from sunbeds, making most cases preventable.

Analysis suggests the number of annual diagnoses could rise to over 26,000 by 2040, representing a 23 percent increase in men and a 26 percent increase in women. While women are more likely to be diagnosed at younger ages, often linked to sunbathing and sunbed use, melanoma becomes more common in men later in life, which is associated with long-term sun exposure. The charity also noted that increased awareness and the potential for overdiagnosis—identifying cancers that would not cause harm—may also contribute to the rising rates.

Cancer Research UK chief executive Michelle Mitchell said it is...