There are two main types of skin cancer; melanoma and non-melanoma.
Melanoma is the least common but most serious form of skin cancer. In the UK, there are over 4000 new cases of melanoma in men, and nearly 5000 new cases in women each year. Non melanoma skin cancers are more common and have two common types: Basal cell carcinoma and Squamous cell carcinoma. They are not connected to moles. Most can be effectively treated and cured if detected early.
Those who have a higher risk of developing skin cancer usually have one or more of the following factors: a history of childhood sunburn, prolonged exposure to UV rays, fair skin, outdoor-related work and hobbies, multiple atypical moles, previous history of skin cancer or melanoma, a family history of skin cancer or melanoma or a history of immunosuppression.
The Belfast Skin Clinic is run by a team of consultant dermatologists who specialise in mole checks and treating skin cancer.