Skin cancer

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK and the number of people who get it is on the increase. Most skin cancers are caused by damage from UV (ultraviolet) rays in sunlight. These cancers can be prevented if we protect ourselves from the sun

A serious problem
There are over 69,000 new cases of skin cancer diagnosed each year in the UK Many cases are not reported, so the real number is probably much higher The number of cases has more than doubled since the early 80s Over 2,000 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.

Types of skin cancer
There are two main types of skin cancer:

malignant melanoma - the most serious type of skin cancer
Malignant melanoma, also known as melanoma, is the most serious type of skin cancer. It usually develops in cells in the outer layer of the skin. The first visible sign may be a change in the normal look or feel of a mole.

Melanoma affects adults of all ages. It's one of the few cancers to affect young adults and is the third most common cancer among 15 to 39 year olds. However your risk increases as you get older.

More women than men develop malignant melanoma. Melanomas in women are most common on the legs and in men on the back. This is shown in the diagram to the right.

When melanoma is caught early it can be treated successfully. However, if a malignant melanoma is left it can spread to other parts of the body and may be fatal.

If you notice changes in a mole or previously normal skin, it is important to act right away. Most changes are not caused by cancer, but do need to be checked out.

non-melanoma skin cancer- more common and easily treated
Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most common and easily treated type of cancer. More than nine out of ten skin cancers are this type. There are over 62,000 new cases reported each year in the UK. There are two main sorts, both of which tend to affect older people. These cancers are most common on areas of skin frequently exposed to the sun such as the head, neck, hands and forearms.