MORE than 8,100 cases of malignant melanoma, the deadliest form of the disease, are diagnosed every year in the UK.

Once most prevalent in women in their 50s, it is the number one form of cancer amongst young women.

UK women in their 20s are diagnosed with malignant melanoma at the rate of almost one a day, making it twice as common as breast cancer.

Increases in melanomas and basal cell carcinoma among the young have been recorded in Nottingham over the last 10 years.

These types of skin cancer were previously common among the elderly but increased cases among young people – who also report to have used sun beds – are being found.