Skin cancer overview

About skin cancer

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK and the number of people who get it is increasing.

Most skin cancers are caused by damage from UV (ultraviolet) rays in sunlight. These cancers could be prevented if we protect ourselves from the sun.

Types of skin cancer

There are two main types of skin cancer:

• malignant melanoma - the most serious type of skin cancer
• non-melanoma skin cancer - more common and easily treated

Find out about who is at risk and how to check your moles.

A serious problem

• Registration of non-melanoma skin cancer is incomplete. More than 72,000 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer are registered each year but it is estimated that the actual number is at least 100,000 cases in the UK each year.
• Around 8,900 cases of melanoma are diagnosed each year in the UK
• The number of cases has almost tripled since the early 80s
• Over 2,300 people die from skin cancer each year in the UK

In fact, there are more skin cancer deaths in the UK than in Australia, even though Australia has more cases of the disease.

Detecting skin cancer

When skin cancer is found early it is much easier to treat. It is important to look out for changes to your skin. If you do notice any changes then visit your doctor as soon as possible.

More information about skin cancer

For more information about skin cancer is detected and treated have a look at our CancerHelp UK website pages on non-melanoma skin cancer and malignant melanoma.

If you have any questions about skin cancer, please contact our cancer information nurses. The service is open 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. Call 020 7061 8355 or freephone 0800 226 237.

You can find out more about our research into skin cancer on the News and Resources website.

Share your story

We would like to hear from people with personal experience of skin cancer. If you would like to share your story then please fill in our online form. Sharing your story can help educate, motivate and inspire others.

 A - Z index
 Contact us
 Donate now
 Glossary
 Print this page