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Skin cancer
Skin cancer
is the second most common cancer in the UK, and it is on the increase. Fortunately, if found early, most cases are completely curable, and very few skin cancers turn out to be serious. However, it is very important to recognise the early signs and to seek medical advice if you are concerned. You cannot catch skin cancer from someone else
Non-melanoma skin cancers
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are called non-melanoma skin cancers. They are the most common types of skin cancer. They are less serious than melanoma, and very rarely cause death. Skin cancer can be a mixture of both of these types of cancer.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer.
About two in 10 non-melanoma skin cancers are squamous cell carcinoma.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the rarest and most serious form of skin cancer. It accounts for about one in 10 new cases of skin cancer, but for three-quarters of deaths from the disease. However, it is curable if treated early enough
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