Cancer Research UK has issued a cautionary message, stating that popular seasonal wardrobe choices—such as men going shirtless and women wearing shorts or skirts during warmer months—might unknowingly contribute to a heightened risk of developing melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. According to the organization, there is a link between the choice of clothing and the areas of the body where skin cancer most commonly appears.
Research shows that nearly 40% of melanoma cases in men appear on the chest, back, and torso. In contrast, more than one-third of melanoma cases in women are found on the legs. These patterns may relate to how people dress when it’s hot—men are more likely to go shirtless, while women often choose to wear skirts or shorts.
The size and exposure of body areas might also influence these statistics. Men’s torsos typically cover a larger surface area, whereas women’s legs make up a greater portion of their overall body surface. This trend is especially concerning given projections that melanoma cases in the UK could reach 21,300 this year—a record high.
The charity emphasizes that a startling 87% of melanoma cases each year—about 17,100 in total—are due to overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. Fiona Osgun, head of health information at Cancer Research UK, stressed the significance of proactive sun safety: “As the weather gets warmer, it’s really important to look after yourself in the sun.”
She added: “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 sunny days you need to worry about. In the UK, UV rays can still cause skin damage from mid-March to mid-October, even when it’s cloudy or cool.”
To protect against sun damage, Osgun advises a few key precautions: staying in the shade between 11am and 3pm when the sun is strongest, wearing protective clothing including a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and using sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and a high star rating. “The key is to apply it generously and reapply it regularly, especially after sweating or swimming,” she explained.
Data from 2018 to 2021 provides more insight into melanoma distribution. In men, 40% of cases are found on the torso—around 3,700 cases annually. Other common areas include the head and neck (24%), arms and shoulders (20%), and lower limbs including the hips (13%). For women, the most frequent site is the lower limbs (35% or about 3,200 cases), followed by arms and shoulders (27%), the trunk (22%), and the head and neck (13%).
Melanoma incidence rates in the UK have more than doubled since the early 1990s—tripling in men and nearly doubling in women. If current trends continue, Cancer Research UK predicts around 26,500 new melanoma cases each year by 2040.
Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, acknowledged the progress in treating skin cancer: “Improvements in skin cancer survival rates highlight the remarkable progress driven by our research.”
However, she also voiced concern over the rising diagnosis numbers, especially among men. Mitchell urged the public to be vigilant: “If you notice anything different on your skin—like a new mole, a mole that’s changed in size, shape or colour, or any area that looks unusual—don’t ignore it. Speak to your GP.”
She also highlighted the importance of early detection in the fight against skin cancer: “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.”
The good news is that survival rates for melanoma have seen significant improvements. Today, nine out of ten adults diagnosed in England live at least a decade following their diagnosis—a testament to the advancements in cancer research and treatment.
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