The ongoing impact of the package holiday boom of the 1960s is likely linked to skin cancer cases hitting a record high in the UK, a leading charity has said.
Cancer Research UK said 17,500 people are now diagnosed with melanoma, the most serious type of the disease, in the UK every year.
A new analysis by the charity found the increase was particularly noticeable in over-55s, with cases up 195% since the 1990s.
The figure appears to back up previous studies which have suggested a link between a spike in skin cancer and the post-war boom in Britons making cheap summer trips abroad.
“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,” Cancer Research UK said.
The charity said that population growth and greater awareness may also have contributed to the rise, as people may be more likely to get their skin checked.
It also estimated that cases could increase by around 50% across all age groups over the coming decades, hitting 26,500 a year by 2040.
However, despite the spike, researchers said deaths from the disease are decreasing thanks to better, earlier diagnosis and treatments.
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.
Read more:
Smartphone camera lens technology to be used to diagnose skin cancer
Calls for sunscreen to be VAT-free due to poverty and skin cancer link
Scientists develop new test that reliably predicts return or spread of skin cancer
“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% of these skin cancers could be prevented.”
In total, around 21 out of every 100,000 people age over 55 were diagnosed with melanoma between 1993 and 1995, the report said.
But that rose to almost 63 out of 100,000 between 2017 and 2019.
Cancer Research UK said people should contact their GP if they notice any unusual changes to their skin – such as a new mole or a sore that does not heal – and urged holidaymakers to use sunscreen to reduce their risk of developing the disease.