Over 100,000 Britons are contracting a lethal form of skin cancer according to recent research.

In news which may concern those with private health insurance, Cancer Research UK pointed out that the number of people developing malignant melanoma is increasing and predicted that more than 15,000 cases will be diagnosed in 2024.

The charity explained that the number of people with the disease, which is caused by over exposure to sunlight or tanning beds, was 10,410 in 2006. The most recent year data is available for.

Sara Hiom, Cancer Research UK's director of health information, said that people can take steps to reduce the risk of developing the condition by avoiding burning their skin, especially if they have freckly, fair or moley skin.

Ms Hiom continued: "We advise people to enjoy the sun safely by spending time in the shade in the middle of the day, covering up with appropriate cool clothing and sunglasses and applying plenty of sun cream of at least factor 15.

Symptoms of skin cancer include a bump, lesion or discoloured patch of skin that does not heal, according to the NHS.