In short
Skin cancer is the UK’s most common cancer, with more than 350,000 cases a year. Most are non-melanoma — basal cell or squamous cell — caused by UV from the sun or sunbeds. Look for a sore that will not heal, a new lump, or a scaly patch. Melanoma is less common and more serious; use the ABCDE mole rule. See a GP about anything new or changing.
Non-melanoma skin cancers are rarely life-threatening when treated. Melanoma has its own silo. Both are largely preventable by not burning.
What should you show a GP?
Take a photo if a patch changes. GPs can refer to dermatology on a suspected-cancer pathway.
- A new growth, lump or patch that will not heal
- A sore that scabs, bleeds and does not heal in a few weeks
- A mole that changes (see the melanoma ABCDE rule)
- A rough, scaly or crusty patch, especially on sun-exposed skin
BCC or SCC — what is the difference?
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common and rarely spreads. Squamous cell carcinoma can spread if neglected. Both are treated, usually with surgery, in dermatology clinics.
Help a patient afford cancer care
Gifts go to the Cancer Emergency Appeal’s wider fund for patients who cannot pay. They do not buy a guaranteed treatment or result.
Donate to cancer careHow do you cut UV risk?
Shade, clothing, and sunscreen on uncovered skin. Do not use sunbeds. A tan is skin injury, not health.
Key takeaways
- A sore that will not heal should be checked.
- UV is the main cause.
- Most non-melanoma skin cancers are highly treatable.
Care like this is out of reach for millions
The diagnosis, screening and treatment described here are routine in the UK. In Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia, poverty can put them out of reach. The Cancer Emergency Appeal raises funds towards clinically recommended care for patients who cannot pay; gifts go to the wider fund and do not buy a guaranteed treatment or result.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a whole-body mole map?
People with many moles or a strong family history may be offered surveillance. Everyone should report a changing lesion.
Can skin cancer appear where the sun does not shine?
Yes, though sun-exposed sites are more common. Check your back, scalp and between the toes.
Do you fund skin cancer surgery overseas?
When a partner hospital can treat an eligible patient who cannot pay.
Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. Editorial responsibility: Kaiser Khan. Updated 4 October 2026.
What are the sources for this guide?
Follow the original guidance for its evidence, dates and limitations. General background references are not a clinical review of this page.