The statistics published by Cancer Research UK and the UK Association of Cancer Registeries report increases in the incidence of many cancers, including those of the mouth, womb and kidney, as well as skin.
The rates of malignant melanomas, the most dangerous form of skin cancer have risen by 43 per cent, representing 3 per cent of all cancers in 2004.
Looking at these figures in more detail, the report states that malignant melanomas in women are still the highest, having doubled since the mid 80s, however rates in men have tripled in the same period.
Cancer Research UK states that many of the cases are avoidable through life style changes, referring its Reduce the Risk, and Sun Smart campaigns that encourage people to learn how they can lead healthier lifestyles and cut their risk of developing cancers.
In terms of skin cancer, Sara Hiom, Cancer Research UK's director of health information said 'most cases of this disease could be prevented if people protected themselves in the sun and took care not to burn.'
Professor Lesley Rhodes, of the same organisation, blames sunbathing binges - the kind that occur when people jet off for holidays in climates where the sun is significantly stronger.
Furthermore the charity calls attention to research that suggests sunburn doubles the risk of melanoma.
The massive increase in skin cancer is particularly worrying as the report shortly follows a survey suggesting that sunbathers are well aware of the long term risks of sunburn, yet continue to get burnt nonetheless.
Some even believe burning to be an inevitable part of the tanning process, suggesting that the message from current campaigns attempting to foster safe behaviour in the sun is not getting through to the general public.
Evidently work needs to be done to change people's behaviour and truly foster safe behaviour in the sun; perhaps representing an opportunity for the industry and sun care manufacturers to get involved in the process.
