RATES of skin cancer have rocketed in the past few decades, including rising five-fold in males, according to a new study.

Incidence rates for the disease – the fifth most common cancer in the UK – are also up 250 per cent in females.

The study, by Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), analysed data on more than 265,000 people diagnosed with skin cancer in England over the 38-year period 1981-2018.

Professor Anjum Memon, chairman in Epidemiology and Public Health Medicine at BSMS and lead author of the study, said: “Our study shows that overall there has been a steady and significant increase in rates of skin cancer during the last four decades, which was essentially due to the continually increasing rates in middle age (35-64) and old age (65-plus).

READ MORE >> Skin cancer deaths up 150% in UK since 1970s

“We observed that the steepest increase was in males (more than two-fold that of females) and at old ages. The steeper increase in males is consistent with their relatively greater sun exposure and poor sun-protective behaviour.”

The Argus: Incidence rates for the disease – the fifth most common cancer in the UK – are also up 250% in femalesIncidence rates for the disease – the fifth most common cancer in the UK – are also up 250% in females

Excessive exposure to UV radiation from the sun (or sunlight) is the main environmental risk factor for developing skin cancer.

It is estimated that about 86 per cent of all skin cancers in the UK are attributable to excessive exposure to sunlight.

Exposure to artificial sources of UV radiation from indoor tanning beds/lamps is the second most important cause of skin cancer, according to scientists.