Melanoma Skin Cancer: In Britain, the cases of melanoma, the most dangerous disease of skin cancer, have set a new record. According to the recently released Cancer Research UK report, in the year 2022, melanoma skin cancer was confirmed in more than 20 thousand people in the UK, which is considered to be the largest figure till date. The report also warned that the situation may become more serious in the coming years. It is estimated that by the year 2040, around 26,500 new cases may be reported every year. According to the report, there may be an increase of 23 percent in cases of melanoma in men and 26 percent in women. Especially in people above 80 years of age, the rate of melanoma has increased by about 57 percent in the last decade. Experts say that the biggest reason behind this is the continuously increasing UV radiation exposure.
What is melanoma skin cancer?
Melanoma is considered the most serious type of skin cancer. It develops in those cells of the body which are called melanocytes. These cells produce melanin, the pigment that determines skin color. Compared to other common skin cancers, melanoma is considered more dangerous because it can spread rapidly to other parts of the body. If it is not treated in time, it can also prove fatal.
Why are cases increasing rapidly?
According to the report, the reason for this is not only the increasing population or the number of aging people. Melanoma cases in the UK have increased more than two and a half times in the last three decades. Experts believe that the biggest reason behind this is ultraviolet or UV rays from sunlight. According to Cancer Research UK, excess UV radiation is responsible for about 90 percent of melanoma cases in the UK. Apart from sunlight, this also includes the use of sunbeds. A study by the International Agency for Research on Cancer has also found that UV radiation was the main reason behind more than 80 percent of the melanoma cases reported worldwide in 2022.
Also read-AC And Heatwave Health Risks: As soon as you come out of AC, you may have to go in the sun, you may fall ill due to sudden change in temperature.
Different effects in men and women
According to the report, more cases of melanoma were found in women below 55 years of age than men. It is believed that spending maximum time in the sun, taking sunbaths and using sun beds could be the reasons behind this. The risk has been seen to increase in men with increasing age. In men, melanoma is often found in the back, chest and abdomen, while in women it is more often seen in the area from the waist to the legs.
How dangerous is this cancer?
Melanoma is considered dangerous because it can spread very quickly. However, it is a matter of relief that if it is caught in the early stages, the chances of cure are quite high. According to the report, if melanoma is caught before it spreads in the body, the chances of patients surviving for 5 years is around 95 percent. For this reason, doctors advise not to ignore the initial symptoms. According to the doctor, if any new mole appears on the body, the color or shape of the old mole starts changing, any wound does not heal for a long time or any abnormal mark is seen on the skin, then immediate examination should be done.
Also read- Mouth Cancer In Young Adults: Oral cancer is spreading rapidly among non-smoker youth, never ignore these symptoms.
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