The most at risk, says Julia Newton-Bishop of the University of Leeds, are “pale-skinned people” who traditionally face the highest rates of the disease.
This skin-bracket constitutes a significant proportion of the UK population, providing an idea of the numbers of people who could be affected by an increased risk of skin cancer.
Although skin cancer, just like any other cancer, is a terrifying prospect for many it is easily treatable.
Statistics show around three quarters of patients diagnosed with malignant melanoma have their cancers excised (removed) and go on to live for as long as other people who have not had the operation.