SKIN cancer rates are on the increase across the UK.

The number of newly diagnosed melanoma skin cancer patients has more than doubled in the 20 years from 1995 to 2014, according to figures by the Office for National Statistics.

There were 12,993 skin cancer sufferers in 2014 compared to 4,777 in 1995.

Liberal Democrats have raised concerns over the figures released on July 12.

Public Health Spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats, Cllr Iain Dobie said:

“It is deeply alarming that the number of melanoma skin cancer registrations has increased over the 20 years.

“We’ve been hearing for years that exposure to sunlight is a high risk factor and with over half (60 per cent) of newly diagnosed skin cancer cases in people aged over 60, it is a real cause for concern.

“It has been well publicised that exposure to UV light will increase the risk of developing skin cancer and yet if it’s something we’ve not experienced either personally or with a family member, then, one can quite easily fall in the trap of thinking that ‘it won’t happen to me’.

“The statistics speak for themselves in that we should be careful in the sun and avoid getting burned. Getting a painful; sunburn just once every two years can triple the risk of melanoma."

Cllr Dobie advised people to look for advice about protecting themselves and their children in the UK and abroad on Cancer Research UK's Sunsmart webpage.

Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, Cllr Paul Hodgkinson said: “There are many ways to enjoy the sun safely and help prevent skin cancer. We just all need to adopt a sun sensible attitude”.