Package holidays and skin cancer figures

In July 2023, multiple news sources reported that cases of skin cancer within the UK have risen substantially within recent years.

Cancer Research has stated that 17,500 people within the UK have been diagnosed with melanoma each year. This has been linked to the cheap package holidays provided by many airlines, which have become much more popular since the 1960s, allowing an increase in damaged skin, paving the way for skin cancer to potentially develop.  

Due to the increase in accessibility to destinations which have much stronger and more prolonged periods of UV ray contact than here in the UK, it has been made clear that in people over 55 years old, cases of melanoma have risen 195% since the 1990s. In addition, it has been noted that in all aged groups the percentage for diagnosis could increase by 50%. 

Melanoma is the UK’s 5th most common skin cancer. However despite this, it is said that over 85% of cases could be prevented, and treatment has a much greater rate of efficacy if the patient has received an early diagnosis.  

Therefore, an early diagnosis is crucial for a much greater chance of successful treatment. If you feel as though a late diagnosis has occurred in your case, this could have the potential for a Medical Negligence claim. In this case, you should seek help from our team immediately for a free initial enquiry.

How are skin cancers and melanomas diagnosed?

Treatment Stages:

• GP – They will usually take photographs of the melanoma to see if it changes over a period of time. If the melanoma is suspicious or has changed, an urgent referral needs to be made to dermatology.
• Dermatologist – They are trained to examine and recognise melanomas. Any suspect moles may have a biopsy removed from them and sent for analysis.
• Plastic Surgery – the affected area will be removed under a surgical procedure. The affected area may also be removed to prevent any remaining cells.

Further tests:

If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, further tests may be required. This may include scans such as:

• Computerised tomography (CT) scan
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scan

Doctors use the AJCC system, which is used to work out how far the cancer has grown and if it has spread. They range from 0 to 4.

1 – Surface of the skin

2 – Thickness of up to 4mm and ulceration

4 – Spreading into the lymph nodes and other parts of the body

This then assists the treatment providers in getting the correct treatment

Further reading

Melanoma and skin cancer – Oakwood Solicitors

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