Key Messages About Skin Cancer

Malignant melanoma is the least common but most deadly type of skin cancer, with over 8,000 new cases diagnosed every year and more than 1,800 deaths in the UK
(British Association of Dermatologists)

One in every three cancers diagnosed is a skin cancer
(World Health Organisation)

More people die from melanoma in the UK than in Australia
(British Association of Dermatologists)

People with pale skin who burn easily, often with red or light coloured hair and freckles, are at highest risk of melanoma
(British Association of Dermatologists)

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with over 100,000 cases each year with some studies showing the rate to be over 125,000
(NICE guidelines for improving outcomes for people with skin cancer; 2006)

Around 80% of melanomas are caused by UV exposure, with genetics also a cause
(Armstrong & Kricker 1993)

The most common site for melanomas on women is the legs and for men on the back
(NICE guidelines 2006)

More women than men develop melanoma, accounting for 60% of cases
(Office for National Statistics 2004)

Men have a lower survival rate, accounting for 52% of deaths
(OfNS 2004)

Experts estimate rates will double every 10-20 years in countries with white populations (Lens & Dawes, British J Dermatol 2004)

People with a family history of melanoma have double the risk of developing the disease
(Cho et al; J Clin Oncol 2005)

Studies suggest that sunburn in childhood is a risk factor for developing melanoma in later life
(Holman & Armstrong, J Natl Cancer Inst 1984)

Find out more about differant skin cancers and surgery