PENSIONERS who enjoyed cheap package holidays in the 1960s are now being diagnosed with skin cancer, according to shock new figures

According to Cancer Research UK, people over 65 are around seven times more likely to develop malignant melanoma compared to 40 years ago.

The most recent figures show that on average around 5,700 pensioners are now diagnosed with melanoma each year compared with just 600 in the mid 1970s.

While age is one of the biggest risk factors for melanoma, the huge increase in pensioners being diagnosed with the disease is likely to be linked to the cheap package holiday boom dating from the 1960s.

This trend continues with today’s generations risking their health in pursuit of a tan.

Every year in the North-East around 480 people are diagnosed with malignant melanoma and around 80 people die from the disease.

It is the fifth most common cancer overall in the UK and the second most common cancer in young adults aged 15 to 34.

Cancer Research UK and NIVEA SUN are working in partnership to encourage people across the region to enjoy the sun safely this summer. The partnership offers simple advice that people can follow to make sure they have a great summer while protecting their skin.

Nicki Embleton, Cancer Research UK’s spokeswoman for the North-East, said: “Many cases of malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, are preventable by taking precautions in the sun and making sure you don’t burn. That’s why we’ve joined forces with Nivea Sun to raise vital awareness of how to enjoy the sun safely.

“Sun damage accumulates over time so avoiding sunburn – and sunbeds - is key as well as getting to know your skin type so you don’t overdo it on the beach or even in the garden.

“You can burn at home just as easily as you can on holiday, so remember to spend time in the shade, wear a T shirt and a hat to protect your skin and regularly apply sunscreen that is at least Factor 15 and has four or more stars. Swapping bad sun habits for good ones could save your life.”

Getting sunburned just once every two years can triple your risk of developing malignant melanoma and even reddening of the skin is a sign of damage.

Cancer Research UK recommends you use at least factor 15 sunscreen with a high star rating when the sun is strong.