20,980 diagnoses.
That is the number for 2022.
For the first time, the count crossed 20,000. Cancer Research UK ran the numbers, the trend line goes up.
Not a glitch in the data either. A record.
The projection for 2040? Even higher.
About 26,50 new cases annually. A jump of 23% for men. 26% for women.
It makes sense, really. People are living longer. There are simply more of us here to get sick.
Heatwave warnings loom large over the bank holiday weekend too. Temperatures hitting 30C in parts of England.
Yellow heat health alerts issued. The UK Health Security Agency says it means risk.
The sun does not care about your vacation plans.
Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK
She called the numbers “concerning.”
Most of this is preventable. She knows it. You probably do too, until you’re in the shade seeking cover.
UV radiation causes nearly nine out of ten UK cases. Sunbeds included.
Five or more sunburns? Double your risk. Simple math. Harsh reality.
Where it strikes differs by gender.
Men tend to get melanoma on their torso—back, chest, stomach. Four in ten cases there.
Women see it more on lower limbs. From hips down to feet. About 35%.
Check your skin.
A new mole. One that changes.
A sore that won’t heal.
If something looks out of the ordinary, don’t ignore it. Contact your GP.
Is it cancer? Probably not.
Does it matter if it might be? Absolutely.
Fiona Osgun, head of health information
Sunburn is damage. Plain and simple.
You can burn on cloudy days. You can burn in cooler weather.
Wear shade. Hats. Sunglasses.
SPF 30 or higher. Four or five stars.
Reapply. Put plenty on.
Even if you’ve burnt before? It is not too late. Start protecting the skin now.
Peter Johnson, national clinical director for cancer at NHS英格兰, agrees.
Enjoy the sun “sensibly.” Use high-factor sunscreen.
Seek shade during the hottest part of the day.
Catching cancer early saves lives.
He said that.
We know what to do. The weather forecast is sunny.
Will you?
