Skin cancer
What is skin cancer? Find out how common it is, the causes, and expert advice on how to reduce your risk.
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What is skin cancer?
Skin is the largest organ in the body. It is made up of 3 layers of tissue:
- Epidermis (top layer)
- Dermis (middle layer)
- Hypodermis (bottom, fatty layer)
Skin cancers can be divided into 2 main groups: melanoma and non-melanoma. Melanoma is a more serious type of skin cancer.
The most common non-melanoma cancers are:
- basal cell carcinoma. This is the most common form of skin cancer and develops in basal cells in the epidermis layer of the skin.
- squamous cell carcinoma. This is the second-most common form of skin cancer and develops in squamous cells in the epidermis layer of the skin.
How common is skin cancer?
It is difficult for scientists to be exact about the number of skin cancer cases. There are many sub-types of skin cancer, which can make it difficult to collate data. Not all countries record all cases of non-melanoma skin cancer because most cases are successfully treated. The statistics below are only for melanoma skin cancers.
Melanoma skin cancer is the 5th most common cancer in the UK (2021 data), and the 17th most common in the world (2022 data).
Men
Skin cancer is the 4th most common cancer in men in the UK, and the 14th most common in men globally.
Women
Skin cancer is the 5th most common cancer in women in the UK, and the 14th most common in women globally.
| Region | Melanoma cases | Year |
|---|---|---|
| UK | 18,582 | 2021 |
| World | 331,722 | 2022 |
What are the signs and symptoms of skin cancer?
The main symptom of non-melanoma skin cancer is a growth or unusual patch on the skin.
The main symptom of melanoma skin cancer is a new mole or a change in an existing mole.
Find more information on melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer symptoms on the NHS website.
What causes skin cancer?
UV rays
The main cause of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or from sunbeds.
The evidence that overexposure to the sun causes skin cancer has been consistent for decades. However, many people still don’t protect themselves from the sun, putting themselves at increased risk of skin cancer.
Skin cancer is more common in people who have pale skin that burns without tanning, blue eyes and fair hair.
The risk of skin cancer increases every time you are sunburnt, during childhood, adolescence or adulthood.
Arsenic in drinking water
Drinking water containing arsenic increases the risk of skin cancer. Agricultural, mining and industrial practices can contaminate water with arsenic. Arsenic can also occur naturally due to geological deposits or volcanic activity.
Arsenic in drinking water has been identified in large areas of Bangladesh, China and West Bengal (India).
HPV infection
Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection can cause squamous cell carcinomas, especially in people whose immune systems are compromised.
Medication
Medicines used to suppress the immune system after an organ transplant are associated with a higher risk of skin cancers, particularly squamous cell carcinoma.
Work
Exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls chemicals – used in the plastic and chemical industries – is strongly associated with an increased risk of skin cancer.
Genetics and family history
Some rare mutations in specific genes can lead to skin cancer. Having a family history of skin cancer also increases the risk.
Height
Being tall increases the risk of malignant melanoma skin cancer.
Other risk factors
Our Expert Panel of scientists has also looked at other things that may be linked with the risk of skin cancer. The evidence for the risk factors listed below is limited, and we do not recommend that you change your behaviour only on the basis of these risk factors. There is some evidence that:
- coffee may decrease the risk of malignant melanoma in women and may decrease the risk of basal cell carcinoma in men and women.
- alcohol may increase the risk of malignant melanoma and basal cell carcinoma.
- being tall may increase the risk of basal cell carcinoma.
- greater birthweight may increase the risk of malignant melanoma.
For scientists: full references, pathogenesis and a summary of the mechanisms underpinning our findings on how to prevent skin cancer can be found in our 2018 skin cancer report.
Reduce your risk of skin cancer
There are simple but important steps you can take to prevent yourself and others from developing skin cancer. Be safe in the sun, whether at home or abroad, by:
- Stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm
- Use sunscreen of at least factor 30
- Cover your skin with clothing including a hat and sunglasses
- Don’t use sunbeds
Following our Cancer Prevention Recommendations reduces your risk of skin cancer and other cancers. If you have been diagnosed with cancer, following our Recommendations can reduce the risk of cancer returning.
What about vitamin D?
Some people can get enough vitamin D by enjoying the sun safely and by eating a healthy diet. Vitamin D is found in oily fish, red meat, liver, eggs, and fortified cereals and spreads.
In the UK, adults and children over the age of 1 year old should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10mcg of vitamin D, particularly during autumn and winter.
People with darker skin are at an increased risk of being vitamin D deficient, particularly if they live in places such as the UK with limited sunlight during the winter months. People who have a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency are advised to take a supplement all year round.
For other countries, please check your national guidelines.
Skin cancer survival
Our Living with cancer section can help if you are living with skin cancer.
