Skin cancer rates surge in the North West despite low sunshine, experts warn

The North West is facing a growing skin cancer crisis, with rates now significantly higher than the national average, despite being one of the wettest regions in England. Experts say the rise is being driven by behaviour, not the weather.

Across the region, skin cancer rates sit 13% higher than the national average, and the gap is widening. Regional data shows cases have climbed from 27% to 33% above the national baseline in recent years, signalling a growing and deeply concerning health crisis. 

Within that picture, major urban centres are driving the trend. In Manchester, prevalence is a striking 23% above the national average, despite its relatively young population. Meanwhile, Liverpool reports rates as much as 35% higher, among the most elevated in the country. 

Around 1,500 to 1,800 new melanoma cases are diagnosed annually in the region - a monthly average of up to 150 new patients, or roughly five people every day. The numbers for non-melanoma skin cancers are even more prolific, with estimates suggesting over 25,000 cases a year in the region, a rate of nearly 480 diagnoses every week.

Behind these numbers lies a more troubling pattern. Recent data shows the North West has one of the highest concentrations of sunbed outlets in England, particularly in more deprived communities, a trend closely linked to rising melanoma rates among young adults aged 25 to 49.

Demand is still surging. Research conducted by Pall Mall Medical last year found Manchester ranked second in the UK for online searches for sunbed tanning salons, with 1,981 searches per 100,000 residents, a clear signal that risky habits remain deeply embedded.

This is despite the fact that up to 86% of melanoma cases are preventable.