Excessive tanning may cause skin cancer

Unhealthy trend
The Cancer Research UK has cautioned that given the prediction of a hot summer ahead, the cases of the malignant melanoma are likely to zoom.

As it is, the trend in the number of cases of the malignant melanoma in the United Kingdom does not seem good at all. While there were only 5,625 cases in 1993, the number reached 10,400 in 2006. Going by the same pace, more than 15,500 people would be affected by the disease by the year 2024.

Sara Hiom, Cancer Research UK's director of health information said that the figures were a definite cause of concern. He advised, “With the rates of malignant melanoma in the UK rising faster than any other cancer it's more important than ever that people are aware of the dangers of getting burned, either in the sun or from using sunbeds.”

Cases of this fatal tumor are more common in women than in men. In 2006, close to 5,600 women were diagnosed with malignant melanoma as against 4,800 men. However, the probability of the disease proving fatal is higher in men than in women.

Malignant melanoma
One of the rarer types of skin cancer, the malignant melanoma causes the majority of skin cancer related deaths. In fact, it accounts for 75 percent of all deaths associated with skin cancer. This malignant tumor is not only found in the skin but also in the bowel and the eye.

Over exposure to the Ultra Virus rays is the most common cause of the melanoma skin cancers. Doctors and experts suggest that while in the sun, one should wear sunglasses and cover up the body with clothing wherever possible to prevent the disease.

It is a good idea to take a break and spend time in the shade during the day. Application of sunscreen of at least SPF factor 15 regularly is also helpful in thwarting off the tumor.