UK Enquiries for mole removal up 127%

Brits might be rejoicing at the prospect of summer drawing in, but when it comes to enjoying the sunshine, skincare is not being prioritised, according to new research by private healthcare search engine WhatClinic.com.

The UK has seen enquiries for mole removal rise by 127% in the past 12 months - more than double that of neighbouring Ireland (53%). Malignant melanoma, often caused by sun damage, is the 9th most common cancer in Europe according to Cancer Research UK, with incidence rates increasing more rapidly than any of the other top cancers since the 1970s.

However, it’s not just the UK that’s seeing a rise in mole removal. Countries with relatively higher levels of sunlight are seeing the biggest increases in enquiries for the procedure. India, which enjoys 2,685 hours of sunlight per year, has seen enquiries skyrocket by 673% in the past 12 months. The UAE tops the charts when it comes to sunlight hours, clocking up 3,609 hours each year, which could explain why enquiries for mole removal treatments there have risen almost four-fold (299%). Despite Ireland having the lowest number of sunlight hours, it has still made the top ten countries where enquiries for mole removal have seen the sharpest increases over the past year. Enquiries in Ireland are up by more than half (53%).

Emily Ross, Director of WhatClinic.com, comments: “These days we’re all more conscious of sun damage, and people are a lot more pro-active when it comes to getting themselves checked out for melanoma. Our global stats confirm that more people are researching the issue and also taking action, with enquiries worldwide up 197% in the past year.”