- In Scotland, 38% of melanomas in men are found on the torso and 36% in women are found on lower limb, according to new analysis from Cancer Research UK.
- Melanoma skin cancer cases expected to rise again this year, with a projected 1,800 cases in Scotland in 2025.
- Cancer Research UK urges people to stay safe in the sun as the weather gets warmer, and to go to their doctor if they notice any unusual changes to their skin.
New analysis by Cancer Research UK suggests that clothing choices may influence where skin cancer develops.
The latest data for Scotland (from 2018-2021) shows that 38% of melanomas in men were diagnosed on the torso (back, chest and stomach) – more than any other part of the body. This translates to around 280 cases every year.
However, in women, the most common location is the lower limbs (from the hips to the feet) – with more than a third of cases (36%) diagnosed here – around 270 cases every year.
The charity says people’s behaviours in the sun, like what they wear or how much sunscreen they use, could be influencing where skin cancer develops on their bodies. For example, men might be tempted to go without a shirt, while women might wear shorts or skirts as the weather gets warmer. Surface area could also be playing a role as men’s torsos are typically bigger than women’s and women’s legs take up a larger proportion of their body surface area.
Although wearing less clothing in hot weather can help people stay cool, it also means that more skin is exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can damage the DNA in cells and cause skin cancer.
In fact, 81% of melanoma cases in Scotland – that’s around 1,300 each year – are caused by overexposure to UV radiation, which is why it’s so vital to take steps to stay safe while enjoying the sun and avoid using sunbeds.**
Fiona Osgun, head of health information at Cancer Research UK, said: “As the weather gets warmer, it’s really important to look after yourself in the sun.
“Getting sunburnt just once every couple of years can triple your risk of melanoma skin cancer, compared to never being burnt.
“And it’s not just the hot, sunny days you need to watch out for – UV rays can be strong enough to cause skin damage between mid-March and mid-October in the UK, even when it’s cloudy or cool.
“That’s why we encourage people across Scotland to take some simple steps to stay safe. Try to stick to the shade between 11am and 3pm when the sun is strongest, wear clothes that help cover up your skin, with a hat and sunglasses, and use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and 4 or 5 stars. The key is to apply it generously – and remember to top it up regularly, especially if you’re sweating or in water.”
Nearly 100 years ago, Cancer Research UK helped prove that UV radiation can cause skin cancer. Since then, the charity has learnt more about how skin cancer starts and spreads and is pioneering ways to prevent, detect and treat the disease.
UK melanoma survival has doubled in the last 50 years and, today in Scotland, more than 9 in 10 adults diagnosed will survive their disease for five years or more.
But rates continue to rise, with a projected 1,800 cases in Scotland in 2025 – the highest on record. Since the early 1990s, melanoma skin cancer rates have doubled in Scotland.
In women, rates have increased by almost three quarters and in men, they’ve increased by two and half times (157%).
Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, Michelle Mitchell, said: “Improvements in skin cancer survival rates highlight the remarkable progress driven by our research. But the growing number of people diagnosed with melanoma in Scotland is still concerning, especially when we can see that rates are rising faster in men.
“If you notice anything different on your skin like a new mole, a mole that’s changed in size, shape, or colour, or any patch of skin that looks out of the ordinary – don’t ignore it, speak to your GP. We want to beat skin cancer for everyone, no matter who they are or where they’re from – early diagnosis is key and could make all the difference.”
With the weather getting warmer, more people will head outside on high UV days, so Cancer Research UK and NIVEA Sun are – in partnership – urging the public to protect their skin and enjoy the sun safely.
When the sun is strong, they recommend three simple steps to reduce cancer risk:
- Spend time in the shade, especially between 11am and 3pm in the UK.
- Cover up with clothes, a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protection sunglasses
- Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and 4 or 5 stars generously and regularly.
For more tips and advice visit cruk.org/sunsafety
MICHELLE HARRIS’ STORY
Mum of two Michelle Harris understands the impact of a skin cancer diagnosis all too well.
Complex needs teacher Michelle who was diagnosed with melanoma in November 2019 was on a family holiday to Finland when her husband Alistair Harris, 45, first flagged that a mole on her back had changed shape and was growing larger. Michelle had also noticed the mole had become itchy.
She visited her GP and was referred to University Hospital Monklands in Airdrie for tests which confirmed she had cancer. Breaking the news to her children Abby, 17, and Kaden, 13, was tough.
Michelle, 38, of Motherwell said: “Cancer turns lives upside down, steals precious moments and affects far too many of us.
“I was very matter of fact and open when I told the children I had cancer. I explained that doctors had told me it was stage 2b melanoma so they had got the cancer early. Although I had to go through an operation I was going to be okay. I just had to get on with things. It was good the NHS were there to look after me so well and my GP was fantastic.”
Michelle had day surgery on 30 November 2019 to remove the mole as well as lymph nodes from under her arm. She recovered well but has regular check ups on other areas of her body where there are moles.
Michelle said: “I think it’s really important to raise awareness about skin cancer. I have a lighter skin tone and I take extra care in the sun, make sure I’m covered up and I seek shade when the sun is at its strongest.”
