Blog Post

Skin cancer  

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Middle aged dread?  

Growing problem: Skin cancer in people over 55. 

As July’s heat rises, and the summer holidays approach, many of us will be basking in the sun’s rays, either at home or abroad. But will we pick up more than a bit of colour…? 

The British are obsessed with the weather. Discussing it is often what we do in place of conversation, and it’s hogging the domestic headlines even more than normal.  

Many of us now appreciate that ‘freak’ weather events are nothing of the sort. It’s getting hot, folks, and parents will be repeating the mantra of hats, water, and sunblock to their children across the UK. 

But, as this piece illustrates, parents are the issue. You may have missed this story in the white heat of all the firefighting, Colosseum-closing and tourist-toasting stories dominating the news agenda. If you’re over 55, it’s worth having a read.  

Older – but wiser? 

To recap, those in later middle age have a different relationship with the sun and may be oblivious to the advice they’re giving to others.  

Several Cancer Research UK specialists have observed that case rates among this age group have risen by 195% since the 1990s. Between 1993 and 1995, 21.3 people aged 55 and above were diagnosed with melanoma out of every 100,000; this rose to 62.9 cases a 100,000 in 2017-2019. 

As Cancer Research UK observe, the causes of skin cancer are complex – they can be genetic, the result of a medical condition, the patient’s environment, a mix of all three – and there is rarely a smoking gun. 

But it’s no secret that this age group were the first to enjoy holiday jet travel, and Laker Airways packages to Torremolinos, Majorca and the like. Shared understanding the sun’s potential to cause problems for the fair-skinned Brit was at its infancy in 1966 and we are playing catch up to some extent. But that’s not to say it’s too late. 

Know your enemy.  

There are essentially two forms of skin cancer: melanoma and non-melanoma. We’re discussing melanoma, the UK’s fifth most common cancer, and preventable in 86% of cases, according to the charity. The reason is that ultraviolet radiation, which occurs naturally in the sun and is generated artificially by sunbeds, is behind those cases.  

• Too much sun – and all that ultraviolet (UV) radiation – can damage DNA in your skin cells. 
• Almost 9 in 10 cases of could be prevented by staying safe in the sun and avoiding sunbeds. 
• Getting sunburnt just once every two years can triple your risk of melanoma skin cancer. 

Overcooked? 

Sunburn increases your cancer risk. It’s the external sign that the DNA in your skin has been damaged and is in the process of attempting to fix it. As many of us will know, cancer is also linked to age – the older you get, the more cell divisions our bodies undergo, and the shorter the odds of getting cancer become. Combine the two and there’s a problem if we’re not sun-savvy.  

Mole patrol 

For context, it’s worth noting that while the rates of detection are increasing, mortality is decreasing. Our population is wiser about the dangers of UV. We understand the reasons behind slip, slop and slap, wear hats and stay in the shade when the sun is at its apex.   

We are also tuned into the message about monitoring our moles and seeking professional advice when they change shape, colour, or become itchy. Remember, a cancerous mole is the tip of the iceberg. It’s what you can’t see, that’s the problem. 

Coda can help. 

Our online pharmacy is your sunscreen hub, and we’re always happy to offer advice. Remember, if you’re in the older age bracket, have enjoyed plenty of ‘fly and flop’ holidays in the past and are busy giving advice to your kids about staying safe in the sun, save some sunscreen for yourself. 

If you would like to register for Free prescription delivery please click on this link www.codapharmacy.co.uk