Skin cancer - A to Z
This page links to content about skin cancer.
There are two main types of skin cancer: non-melanoma skin cancer, which is very common, and malignant melanoma, which is less common but more serious. Around 10,400 cases of melanoma are diagnosed each year in the UK. It is estimated that at least 100,000 people get non-melanoma skin cancer every year in the UK.
Excessive exposure to the sun is the main cause of skin cancer. Using sunbeds also increases the risk of skin the disease. People with a close family member who has been diagnosed with malignant melanoma also have a greater than average risk of the cancer.
Cancer Research UK is one of the major funders of skin cancer research in the UK. We also play a vital role in raising public awareness of skin cancer, early symptoms and the dangers of too much sun exposure, through our national SunSmart campaign.
Or find out more using the links below.
Browse content about Skin cancer
- April 2009 podcast transcript
- Check your skin for signs of skin cancer
- Incidence projections for selected cancers
- Our impact on skin cancer
- Our progress and achievements from 1902 to 1959
- Prof Fiona Watt
- Prof Richard Marais
- Professor Mark Middleton
- Skin cancer - UK incidence statistics
- Skin cancer - survival statistics
- Skin cancer statistics - Key Facts
- Sunbeds and skin cancer risk
Latest Skin cancer news from Cancer Research UK
- Press Release: Leading UK model agencies sign up to 'No Sunbed' policy
17 February 2012 - News story: Scientists uncover reason for second cancers after targeted melanoma treatment
19 January 2012 - News story: Protein linked to spread of skin cancer
22 November 2011 - Press Release: NHS faces huge cancer challenge as cases set to jump by 45 per cent
28 October 2011 - Press Release: Scientists discover three new gene faults which could increase melanoma risk by thirty per cent
9 October 2011 - News story: Study reveals 16 to 30-year-olds are worst at skin cancer prevention
5 July 2011 - Press Release: Two young adults diagnosed with skin cancer every day
6 April 2011 - Press Release: Scientists discover cause of rare skin cancer that heals itself
27 February 2011 - News story: Experimental melanoma drug shows promise in phase-III trial
20 January 2011 - News story: Joint position statement issued to provide vitamin D clarity
16 December 2010
- Press Release: Friends and family are encouraging youngsters to risk health for sunbed glow
19 January 2012 - News story: 'Detox' immune cells linked to skin cancer development
6 January 2012 - Press Release: Cancer Research UK launches nine high-tech gene projects
18 November 2011 - News story: Scientists uncover how cancer stem cells are regulated in common skin cancer
20 October 2011 - Press Release: Protein prompting cells to sprout legs could cause skin cancer to spread
14 September 2011 - News story: New law protects under-18s from sunbed dangers
8 April 2011 - News story: Lab tests suggest arthritis drug could slow melanoma skin cancer growth
23 March 2011 - News story: NICE issues new guidance on preventing skin cancer
27 January 2011 - Press Release: Faulty gene behind skin cancer also triggers spread
6 January 2011 - Press Release: Deprived cancer patients face fatal health problems
24 November 2010
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