**Experts Raise Alarm as Melanoma Rises, Reveal Why Men and Women Get Skin Cancer on Different Body Parts**
The number of people in the UK being diagnosed with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is forecast to increase to a record high this year. Health campaigners are emphasising the importance of sun safety, as new statistics and expert analysis reveal interesting patterns in where melanoma is most likely to occur on men and women.
According to Cancer Research UK, the areas most frequently affected by melanoma differ significantly between sexes. While leading specialists highlight that the torso—including the chest, back, and abdomen—is where two out of every five cases in men are detected, over a third of melanomas in women are found predominantly on the legs.
These trends, experts suggest, are not coincidental. Clothing choices during warmer months, alongside sun exposure habits, may be key factors. Garments worn by men and women—such as men going shirtless and women opting for skirts or shorts—could mean certain skin areas receive more ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, increasing melanoma risk on those parts of the body.
Fiona Osgun, head of health information at Cancer Research UK, draws attention to more than just the temperature. “Even when it’s cloudy, between mid-March and mid-October, UV rays can be strong enough to cause damage,” Osgun commented. “We urge everyone to take action long before sunburn appears. Just one episode of sunburn every couple of years can triple your risk of developing melanoma.”
To mitigate this danger, the charity recommends a number of practical precautions. These include seeking shade during the hours of 11am to 3pm, wearing protective clothing and hats, and using a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 along with a high UVA rating. Applying sun cream generously and reapplying after swimming or sweating are also crucial measures.
The most recent figures, covering 2018-2021, highlight that approximately 40% of melanomas in men occur on the torso, which equals about 3,700 cases per year. Head and neck incidences follow at 24%, with arms and shoulders accounting for 20%, and the lower limbs—including hips—making up 13%. In contrast, among women, 35% of melanomas develop on the lower limbs (from hips to feet), which translates to around 3,200 annual cases. The arms and shoulders (27%), trunk (22%), and head and neck (13%) are also significant sites of occurrence.
Cancer Research UK has sounded the alarm that an astonishing 87% of cases are linked to excessive ultraviolet exposure, including sunlight and the use of sunbeds. Projections are particularly sobering: the charity estimates that, by 2040, yearly melanoma diagnoses could hit 26,500.
Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, noted recent advances but called for greater vigilance. “We’ve seen tremendous progress in survival, with nine in ten adults diagnosed in England now surviving for ten years or more. Yet, the rising numbers—particularly among men—are deeply worrying,” she said. “Everyone should be aware of skin changes: whether it’s a new mole, or an existing one that alters in size, shape or colour, prompt attention from your GP can save lives.”
Rates of melanoma have surged more than twofold since the early 1990s, with almost triple the increase observed among men. Improved diagnosis and treatment have been cause for hope, but the continued increase in incidence demonstrates that considerable work remains, especially in raising public awareness and encouraging sun-safe habits.
Public health experts stress that early detection remains one of the most powerful tools for fighting skin cancer, and reiterate the significance of community education as the summer sun approaches. By adopting simple protective routines and paying close attention to changes in their skin, individuals can help turn the tide against the country’s most lethal skin cancer.