The incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer has nearly tripled in women under the age of 40, according to a US study (Christenson, L. J. et al. JAMA 294, 681–690 (2005)).

Non-melanoma skin cancer usually occurs in the over 50s but little is known about its incidence in younger people. So, the authors analysed incidence data from 417 people younger than 40 years diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer between 1976 and 2003. The rate of basal cell carcinoma rose from 18.2 out of 100,000 in 1976–1979 to 29.1 out of 100,000 in 2000–2003. The incidence of squamous cell carcinoma also rose from 0.9 out of 100,000 to 4.1 out of 100,000 over the same time period. The increase in non-melanoma skin cancer was particularly marked in women in their late 30s. “We have discovered that these cancers are becoming increasingly prevalent in younger people, and if steps are not taken at a young age to prevent these cancers, we may see an exponential increase in the overall occurrence of non-melanoma skin cancers”, said lead researcher Leslie Christenson of the Mayo Clinic, Minnesota (http://www.bbc.co.uk, 9 August 2005).

The researchers warned that a tan is still considered a sign of health and beauty despite the harm it can cause, and that this view has to change (http://www.reutershealth.com, 10 August 2005). The head of health information at Cancer Research UK, Sara Hiom, said “[Our] SunSmart campaign says that people should avoid burning by seeking shade when the sun is at its height, covering up in a T-shirt, hat and sunglasses and applying factor 15-plus sunscreen” (http://www.bbc.co.uk, 9 August 2005).