Holidays in Hot Locations and The Use of Tanning Beds Responsibe For Increased Skin Cancer Cases in U.K

Holidaying in sunny locations and the usage of skin tanning beds have spiked up skin cancer rates in the U.K., according to officials.

A recent survey by the Cancer Research in the U.K revealed that the disease incidence is five times greater than what it was in the 1970s.  According to the reports, more than 13,000 people develop malignant melanoma annually in current times compared to 1,800 during 1975. The agency experts believe the obsession to sport tanned skin and visit tropical destinations have resulted in the surging increase in skin cancer cases throughout the country.

"Since the mid-1970s, malignant melanoma incidence rates in the UK have increased more rapidly than any of today's 10 most common cancers," said Nick Ormiston-Smith. "Holidays in hot climates have become more affordable and sun beds are more widely available since the 1970s," reports the Mirror. Co UK.

Their past findings revealed nearly 3000 children aged between 11 and 17 reported using sun bed and had 75 percent increased chances for melanoma. The organization officials also urged the government to limit access to tanning salons and parlors for children aged below 18 years.

Every year, more than 2000 people succumb to malignant melanoma, which is the fifth most common type of cancer in U.K. They appear like moles and spots in the skin that are usually colored black and brown. Unrestrained exposure to the UV rays of the sun and frequent use of tanning beds can increase the disease risk.

People with very light skin, lots of moles and freckles or those with a family history of the skin cancer are highly susceptible to melanoma and are advised to regularly use sunscreen lotions with SPF 15 and also limit their sun exposure. The experts add that the disease can be avoided by following these simple sun safety habits, even while living in places with high temperature and tropical weather conditions. The campaign by the Cancer Research UK recommends people to remain protected to curb the country wide skin cancer prevalence.

"The good news for those that are diagnosed is that survival for the disease is amongst the highest for any cancer; more than eight in 10 people will now survive it." Ormiston-Smith added.