Read article 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.
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Browse content about Skin cancer
- April 2009 podcast transcript
- Cancer incidence projections for selected cancers
- Dr Fiona Bath-Hextall
- June 2009 podcast transcript
- Our policy on sun awareness
- Prof Alan Storey
- Prof Irene Leigh
- Prof Tim Bishop
- Skin cancer Key Facts
- Skin cancer mortality statistics
- Skin cancer risk factors
- Sunbed use in children
- Visit our SunSmart microsite
- April 2010 podcast transcript
- Check your skin for signs of skin cancer
- Dr Michaela Frye
- Our impact on skin cancer
- Our progress and achievements from 1902 to 1959
- Prof Fiona Watt
- Prof Richard Marais
- Professor Mark Middleton
- Skin cancer incidence statistics
- Skin cancer research
- Skin cancer survival statistics
- Sunbeds and skin cancer risk
Latest Skin cancer news from Cancer Research UK
- Press Release: Sun Starved Brits To Risk Health This Summer
29 April 2013 - Press Release: Early results show two drugs may be better than one to treat most deadly skin cancer
11 February 2013 - Press Release: Sunbed skin cancer risk double that of mediterranean midday summer sun
17 January 2013 - News story: 'Drug holidays' improve response to key skin cancer drug in mice
9 January 2013 - Press Release: Three-in-one 'supermolecule' could detect cancer early, help destroy tumours and monitor treatment
6 November 2012 - News story: Study links sunbeds to most common forms of skin cancer
3 October 2012 - Press Release: Young Brits’ risky sun habits could increase risk of skin cancer
31 August 2012 - News story: 'Tougher actions' needed to reduce deadly toll of sunbeds
24 July 2012 - Press Release: Jenni Falconer looks hot but keeps cool as she launches new summer campaign
19 July 2012 - Press Release: Asbestos and shift work boost work-related cancer deaths to over 8,000 a year
20 June 2012
- Press Release: Sunbed users are twice as likely to use anti-ageing products as non sunbed users
21 February 2013 - Press Release: Desire for a tan is making teenage girls ignore sunbed dangers
30 January 2013 - News story: US researchers warn against apps to diagnose skin cancer
16 January 2013 - News story: Blocking SMURFs may increase effectiveness of experimental melanoma drug
20 December 2012 - News story: NICE recommends new treatments for advanced melanoma
2 November 2012 - News story: Loss of 'DNA tag' could be key to melanoma growth
13 September 2012 - Press Release: Study suggests patients should be screened before receiving vemurafenib
13 August 2012 - Press Release: Middle-aged hit by surge of potentially fatal skin cancer
24 July 2012 - Press Release: Cancer Research UK calls on young Britons to stay cool and step into the shade this summer
6 July 2012 - Press Release: Cancer Research UK initiative attracts innovative targeted cancer trials to the UK
31 May 2012
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