Surge in UK skin cancer deaths since the 70s

According to figures released by Cancer Research UK today, melanoma skin cancer deaths have increased dramatically in the UK since the early 70s. When compared to the number of deaths in 2015-17, the rate per 100,000 people has risen by 153 percent. This trend is even more pronounced among males where the rate is now 5.0 - a jump of 233 percent. As this infographic shows, an 81 percent increases was recorded for females.

The sizeable gender difference is explained in part in Cancer Research UK's accompany press release which points to men being "more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage", combined with a faster increase in incidence rates. The charity also notes that many of these deaths could be prevented as "86% of cases are linked to too much sun or sunbeds", adding: "The risk of developing melanoma is around three times higher in people who have had sunburn just once every two years."

The following advice is also provided for when the sun is strong:

~ Seek shade – when the sun is strongest, between 11am and 3pm in the UK

~ Cover up with clothing – wear a T-shirt, hat and sunglasses

~ Apply sunscreen regularly – with at least SPF15 and 4 or more stars. Re-apply regularly