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Skin cancer - key facts
One in three cancers diagnosed is skin cancer. There are two main types of skin cancer, melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). Between two and three million people get NMSC, and around 130,000 people get melanoma skin cancer each year globally.
Melanoma skin cancer is the most serious type as it can spread to other organs very rapidly. There is a good chance that skin cancer can be cured if diagnosed and treated early.
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Published by Bupa's health information team, November 2005.
What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer is created by an abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells. It can either be malignant (cancerous) or benign.
Skin cancer can grow and spread to other parts of your body (through the bloodstream or the lymph system) where it may grow and form "secondary" tumours. This is called a metastasis.
There are different types of skin cancer, which are classed depending on their ability to spread to neighbouring tissues.
The three layers of skin
The skin is made up of three layers:
- the epidermis
- the dermis
- the supporting subcutaneous layer of loose tissue and fat
Causes of skin cancer
The cause of skin cancer isn't fully understood at present. But there are certain factors that make skin cancer more likely. The main risk factor for any type of skin cancer is exposure to the intense ultraviolet light of sunshine.
Other factors that may increase your risk of skin cancer include:
- fair skin that burns easily - people with black, brown and darker olive complexions have a lower risk of skin cancer
- a family history of skin cancer
- skin which has a lot of moles (more than 50)
- red or fair hair and blue or green eyes
- freckles
- bad sunburn as a child
- using a sunbed
- your job - if you work outdoors you are exposed to more sunlight than if you are office-based
- increasing age - non-melanomas such as SCC and BCC are more common in people over 60 and are rare in children
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This factsheet is based on reputable sources of medical evidence and has been reviewed by Bupa doctors. For more details of references and sources, please see our website. Photos and videos are only for illustrative purposes and do not reflect every presentation of a condition. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional. Any reference to drugs is based on UK names and usage.
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