Cancer Research UK has issued a warning that the clothes people wear during warmer months could influence their risk of developing deadly skin cancer. The charity emphasized the connection between sunscreen use, clothing habits, and where melanoma tends to appear on the body.
For men, frequently going shirtless during summer could explain why two in five melanomas are found on their torso—including the chest, back, and abdomen. In contrast, over a third of melanomas in women develop on their legs, likely linked to wearing shorts and skirts when it’s warm.
The charity points out that as temperatures rise, men often expose their torsos, while women expose their legs, contributing to these patterns. Body surface area also plays a role, as men’s torsos generally cover a larger area, while women’s legs make up a bigger proportion of their bodies.
This warning comes amid projections that melanoma cases in the UK will climb again this year, reaching a record high of 21,300. Around 87% of these cases—approximately 17,100 annually—are caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight and sunbeds.
Fiona Osgun, head of health information at Cancer Research UK, stressed the importance of sun safety as warmer weather approaches. She said, “Getting sunburnt even once every couple of years can triple your risk of melanoma compared to never being burnt. UV rays can cause skin damage from mid-March to mid-October, even on cloudy or cool days.”
To reduce risk, the charity recommends simple steps: seek shade between 11am and 3pm when UV rays are strongest, wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses, and apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and a 4- or 5-star rating generously and regularly—especially after sweating or swimming.
Recent data from 2018-2021 shows 40% of melanomas in men were diagnosed on the torso—about 3,700 cases yearly. Other common areas include the head and neck (24%), arms and shoulders (20%), and lower limbs (13%). For women, 35% of melanomas occur on the lower limbs (around 3,200 cases annually), followed by arms and shoulders (27%), trunk (22%), and head and neck (13%).
Since the early 1990s, melanoma rates in the UK have increased by two-and-a-half times, doubling in women and tripling in men. Projections suggest around 26,500 new cases yearly by 2040.
Michelle Mitchell, Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, noted, “While survival rates have improved significantly thanks to research, the rising number of melanoma cases, especially among men, remains a concern. If you notice any new or changing moles or unusual skin patches, consult your GP immediately. Early diagnosis can make all the difference.”
Melanoma survival rates have doubled over the past 50 years, with nine out of ten adults diagnosed in England now surviving at least 10 years or more.
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