Skin cancer

Skin cancer includes basal cell skin cancer, squamous cell skin cancers and other rare types. These skin cancers are known as non melanoma skin cancer.

There are 2 main types of skin cancer: Non melanoma skin cancer and melanoma skin cancer. This section is about non melanoma skin cancer.

Melanoma is a different type of skin cancer that develops from skin cells called melanocytes.

What is skin cancer?

Non melanoma skin cancer includes basal cell skin cancer, squamous cell skin cancer and other rare types.

Skin cancer symptoms

Symptoms of skin cancer can include: a sore that doesn't heal, an area of skin that looks unusual, red, itchy, bleeds or scabs for more than 4 weeks.

Photos of skin cancer

See what different types of skin cancers might look like.

Getting diagnosed with skin cancer

See your GP if you are worried about or have symptoms of skin cancer. They will examine you and arrange for a biopsy if needed.

Survival for skin cancer

The cure rates for non melanoma skin cancers are very high.

Treatment for skin cancer

Your treatment depends on where your skin cancer is, how big it is and your general health.

Types of skin cancer

The 2 main types of non melanoma skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Stages and grades of skin cancer

The stage of cancer tells you its size and whether it has spread. The grade tells you how much the cancer cells look like normal cells.

Research and clinical trials for skin cancer

Researchers are looking at the causes, diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer.

Living with skin cancer

Get support to cope during and after skin cancer treatment, including how to protect your skin in the sun.

Risks and causes of skin cancer

Most skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun. There are some other factors that can increase your risk.