Skin Cancer Causes Linked to Cheap Tropical Summer Vacations; Seniors in Greater Risk of Disease

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The affordability of packaged tropical destination vacations over the last few decades is linked to the rise of malignant melanoma or skin cancer among pensioners.

In the United Kingdom, 5,700 retirees are diagnosed annually with melanoma, an aggressive type of skin cancer which means that retirees are seven times more at risk to get skin cancer today than in the last several decades.

The report from Cancer Research UK pins the cause to the affordability of tropical getaway vacations that started in the 1960s and the preference for a more tanned appearance. Additionally, getting sunburned from overexposure even just once in every two years could triple the risk of getting malignant melanoma.

"I was part of the generation where package holidays became affordable and you could go abroad nearly every year," according to Sue Deans, a 69-year-old retired teacher diagnosed twice with malignant melanoma in 2000 and 2007. "I don't think there was much understanding at the time about the impact that too much sun can have on your risk of getting skin cancer. And I loved the sun but suffered quite a bit of sunburn over the years," Deans shared.

"I've always been quite body aware so my cancer was spotted early. I had successful surgery and have been healthy since - but I'm always vigilant in keeping an eye out for anything unusual or persistent that might need to be checked. Now I make sure my grandson knows the dangers of getting caught out in the sun," she added.

Around 13,000 people from all age groups in the United Kingdom are diagnosed with melanoma annually and around 2,100 deaths are caused by it.

According to an article in Tech Times, malignant melanoma cases can be prevented by taking safety measures under the sun.

Dr. Julie Sharp, head of health information of Cancer Research UK says, "You can burn at home just as easily as you can on holiday, so remember to spend time in the shade, wear a T-shirt and a hat to protect your skin and regularly apply sunscreen that is at least Factor 15 and has four stars. Swapping bad sun habits for good ones could save your life."

She adds that it is important to know your own skin type because sun damage is cumulative. It is best to avoid sunbeds or spending too much time under the sun whether you're at the beach or in the garden.

"It's worrying to see melanoma rates increasing at such a fast pace, and across all age groups. It is very important for people to take care of their skin in the sun. It is also important for them to keep an eye on their skin and seek medical opinion if they see any changes to their moles, or even to normal areas of skin. Melanoma is often detected on men's backs and women's legs but can appear on any part of the body," according to Richard Marais, a skin cancer expert of Cancer Research UK.