Julian encourages York residents to take rising skin cancer risks seriously
May 24, 2023
Julian has added his voice to Melanoma Awareness Month after experts raised concerns in response to the new data released today by the charity Melanoma Focus which shows that 32% of British people reported rarely or never using sunscreen when in the UK and only 11% saying that they always use it.
Melanoma skin cancer is a serious and potentially fatal condition, yet people in the UK are often ignoring the dangers posed by prolonged exposure to the UV rays.
It is the second most common form of cancer for under 45’s in Britain and is the deadliest form of cancer and up to 1 in 30 people will be diagnosed in their lifetime. However, 86% of cases are preventable.
Melanoma skin cancer is becoming more common in the UK, with around 16,700 new cases every year (46 every day). Recent research has shown that there has been a huge increase in the number of people in the UK being diagnosed with melanoma, despite efforts to educate the public on the risks.
Over the last decade, melanoma skin cancer incidence rates have increased by around a third (32%) in the UK. Rates in females have increased by more than a quarter (27%), and rates in males have increased by almost two-fifths (38%). It is expected to continue to rise.
At the drop in, Julian was told about the dangers of UV sunbeds. Sunbeds can be incredibly dangerous and it’s concerning that their use is so popular in the UK.
This goes along with the other work Julian has been doing to campaign to clear cancer backlogs and build a new hospital for York. Melanoma cancer, of course, forms part of that and the NHS will be helped by people taking precautions such as those outlined here.
After the meeting, Julian said:
“I am pleased to be able to attend this drop-in, despite its severity and how commonplace Melanoma skin cancer is, people are not informed about it. After this event, I am keen to circulate the guidance offered by Melanoma Focus. I will continue my work to campaign to faster clear cancer backlogs, including for patients with Melanoma”.
