Non-melanoma skin cancer

Non-melanoma skin cancer usually causes a growth or unusual patch on the skin. These can vary in colour, size and texture.

Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or sunbeds is the main cause of non-melanoma skin cancer. It's more common in older people.

Things you can do to lower your chance of getting skin cancer include not staying in the sun too long, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and using sunscreen.

Non-melanoma skin cancer can be diagnosed by cutting out a section of affected skin and checking it for cancer. This is called an excision biopsy.

Surgery is the main treatment for non-melanoma skin cancer. Radiotherapy, medicines, photodynamic therapy and chemotherapy are also sometimes used.

The main symptom of non-melanoma skin cancer is a growth or unusual patch on the skin.

Any part of your skin can be affected, but it's most common in areas exposed to the sun, such as the:

• head, face and ears
• neck and shoulders
• back
• hands
• lower legs

The growths or patches can vary in colour, size and texture.

Some cancerous growths are raised and smooth with clear edges.

Some growths may be bumpier, rough or crusty.

Sometimes skin cancer may start as a flat discoloured patch.

Cancerous patches can be a range of colours, including purple, brown and red.

The patches may be darker on brown or black skin.

Sometimes the patches may look crusty and feel rough or itchy.

• you have a growth on your skin that's getting bigger or has changed colour or texture
• you have a growth or area of skin that hurts, itches, bleeds, crusts or scabs for more than 4 weeks

Finding non-melanoma skin cancer early can mean it's easier to treat.

Non-melanoma skin cancer usually causes a growth or unusual patch on the skin. These can vary in colour, size and texture.

Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or sunbeds is the main cause of non-melanoma skin cancer. It's more common in older people.

Things you can do to lower your chance of getting skin cancer include not staying in the sun too long, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and using sunscreen.

Non-melanoma skin cancer can be diagnosed by cutting out a section of affected skin and checking it for cancer. This is called an excision biopsy.

Surgery is the main treatment for non-melanoma skin cancer. Radiotherapy, medicines, photodynamic therapy and chemotherapy are also sometimes used.

Ultraviolet (UV) light is the most common cause of non-melanoma skin cancer. It comes from the sun and is used in sunbeds.

Non-melanoma skin cancer is more common in older people, but younger people can also get it.

You're also more likely to get non-melanoma skin cancer if you have:

• pale skin that burns easily in the sun
• red or fair hair
• blue or green eyes
• a large number of freckles or moles
• had a lot of sun exposure and you've had sunburn a lot in the past
• used sunbeds a lot
• a history of skin cancer in your family or you've had skin cancer before

If you have brown or black skin, you have a lower chance of getting non-melanoma skin cancer, but you can still get it.

Staying safe in the sun is the best way to lower your chance of getting skin cancer.

There are some things you can do to help prevent getting skin cancer when you're outdoors.

• stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day (11am to 3pm in the UK)

• keep your arms and legs covered, and wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses that provide protection against ultraviolet (UV) rays

• use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 and at least 4-star UVA protection – make sure you reapply it regularly

• make sure babies and children are protected from the sun – their skin is much more sensitive than adult skin

If a GP refers you to a specialist because they think you could have non-melanoma skin cancer, you'll have tests to check for cancer.

The specialist will check your skin and ask you about any changes you've noticed. They may use a magnifying device that lets them look at the skin more closely.

The specialist may also recommend having a small area of affected skin cut out so it can be sent to a lab and checked for cancer. This is known as an excision biopsy.

Non-melanoma skin cancer can usually be effectively treated.

The treatment you have will depend on:

• the type of skin cancer
• where the cancer is
• if it has spread
• your general health

Surgery is the main treatment for non-melanoma skin cancer. Radiotherapy, targeted medicines, photodynamic therapy and chemotherapy are also sometimes used.

The specialist care team looking after you will:

• explain the treatments, benefits and side effects
• work with you to create a treatment plan that's best for you
• discuss the chances of the skin cancer coming back and how it will be treated if it does

You'll have regular check-ups during and after any treatments.

Depending on the stage of your non-melanoma, you may have tests and scans.

If you have any symptoms or side effects you're worried about, talk to your specialists. You do not need to wait for your next check-up.

You and your loved ones will be supported throughout your treatment by a group of specialists.

The clinical nurse specialist, or another member of your specialist team, will be able to give you information on local support services that you may find helpful.

There are also national cancer charities that offer support and information about non-melanoma skin cancer.

Cancer Research UK

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.

• Website: www.cancerresearchuk.org
• Nurse helpline: 0808 800 4040
• Cancer Research UK: ask a nurse service
• Cancer Research UK: online cancer chat forum
• Cancer Research UK: find a clinical trial service

Macmillan Cancer Support

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.

• Website: www.macmillan.org.uk
• Helpline: 0808 808 00 00
• Macmillan Cancer Support: support line service
• Macmillan Cancer Support: online skin cancer forum
• Macmillan Cancer Support: find local support services