30th June 2026

Melanoma

Melanoma may be less common than other skin cancers, but it is significantly more dangerous if not detected early.

Incidence

Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the UK.

In 2024, there were a record 20,800 new melanoma cases, up from an annual average of 19,300 between 2020 and 2022.

Over the past decade, melanoma incidence rates have increased by nearly a third (31%) in the UK.

Projections suggest that melanoma cases will continue to rise, reaching approximately 26,500 annually by 2038–2040.

Mortality:

Melanoma causes around 2,300 deaths each year in the UK, averaging more than six deaths per day.

It is the 20th most common cause of cancer death in the UK.

Projections indicate that annual deaths from melanoma will rise to approximately 2,800 by

2038–2040, despite a projected 12% decrease in mortality rates.

Prevention:

Approximately 86% of melanoma cases in the UK are preventable.

Despite increased awareness of the link between sun exposure and skin cancer, incidence rates are expected to continue rising, underscoring the need for ongoing public education on sun safety.

Sunburn and Melanoma

Although you don’t have to burn to contract melanoma, there is increasing evidence that excessive sun exposure, and particularly sunburn, when aged under 15 is a major risk factor for skin cancer in later life.

Protection of the skin of children and adolescents is therefore particularly important. Because of this, sunburn should be avoided by individuals of ALL ages.

The seven point checklist for suspected melanoma provided by Cancer Research UK - Melanoma skin cancer | Cancer Research 

Cornwall’s stunning coastline and sunny climate make it a prime spot for outdoor activities. However, this also means higher rates of skin cancer. 

New analysis from Cancer Research UK shows that melanoma cases in our region are among the highest on record.

Check out the Cornish Stuff website - Sun-Smart and Safe: Cornwall's NHS Reveals Top Summer Health Tips - CornishStuff

A new campaign has been launched to reduce the increasing rates of skin cancer amongst outdoor workers in Devon and Cornwall.

NHS figures for 2024/25 show there were 5,728 diagnoses of the condition across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. 

Protect The Skin You Work In - Peninsula Cancer Alliance

Skin cancer prevention needs more than awareness. It needs behaviour change -  Home - Melanoma Fund UK