Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer

Frequently asked questions about non-melanoma skin cancer

• Is non-melanoma skin cancer hereditary?

  Regardless of your skin type and family history, everyone is at risk of damage to your skin through sun exposure and developing skin cancer.

  There are some very rare genetic syndromes that are passed down through families which can expose people to a higher risk of developing skin cancer, including Gorlin syndrome. People with this syndrome have an increased risk of developing basal cell skin cancers.

• What causes non-melanoma skin cancer?

  The main risk factor that leads to the development of skin cancer is damage to skin cells through exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Skin cells can also be damaged through exposure to artificial UV sources such as tanning beds.

  Other risk factors include:

  • Having a large number of unusual moles

  • Fair skin

  • Freckles

  • Light eye and hair colour

  • A tendency for skin to burn rather than tan

  • Being immunosuppressed – Immunosuppression is when your natural immune system is weakened. If people are immunosuppressed, they are at an increased risk of developing particularly aggressive skin cancers. One group at risk of skin cancers from immunosuppression are transplant patients

  • Undergoing treatment for blood disorders

  People who have previously had skin cancer are also at a higher risk of developing further skin cancers.

• How common is non-melanoma skin cancer?

  Over 230,000 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer are diagnosed annually in the UK with rates predicted to reach almost 400,000 per year in 2025.

• What can I do to decrease my risk of non-melanoma skin cancer?

  There are a number of factors that can reduce the risk and frequency of developing non-melanoma skin cancers. These include:

  • Avoiding sun exposure – The main way to minimise your risk of non-melanoma skin cancer is to reduce your sun exposure as best as possible, including avoiding the sun during the hottest parts of the day. If you can’t stay out of the sun, then it’s important to cover your exposed body areas as best you can

  • Protect your skin with sunscreen – It is recommended that you wear SPF50+ sunscreen and apply this liberally and frequently while you are exposed to the sun. Applying sunscreen is encouraged as part of your daily ritual

  • Get regular skin cancer checks – Get your skin checked regularly by a doctor who specialises in skin cancer, particularly when you start to notice any sun damage or changes to your skin

  Protecting your skin can reduce the number of cancers you get and the aggressiveness of these cancers. If you have previously had skin cancer, you are more likely to develop further skin cancers as you already have some level of sun damage.

• When should I start getting skin cancer checks?

  As we get older, it’s very common to start to develop signs of sun damage. This is why you should get your skin checked by a doctor that specialises in skin cancers. It is recommended that you have a skin cancer check once every 12 months, however this will depend on your individual circumstances. If you are showing signs of sun damage, your doctor may encourage you to get skin cancer checks more regularly.

  Regardless of the level of sun damage or the type of skin cancer, the earlier that skin cancer is diagnosed, the more effectively it can be treated and managed.

• Where can I find out more about non-melanoma skin cancer screening?

  If you notice any changes in your skin that resemble skin cancer symptoms, we encourage you to make an appointment with a doctor who specialises in skin cancer.

  To learn more about checking for signs of skin cancer, visit Cancer Research UK.

• Should you protect your eyes as well as your skin from the sun?

  It’s important to protect all areas of your body from the sun, including your eyes. Unprotected sun exposure can result in burns to the eyes, just like the skin, leading to cancer of the cornea (the outermost layer of the eye) or conjunctiva (thin layer that covers the front part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids) and increasing the risk of cataracts.

• What about the benefits of sun exposure to our skin for vitamin D levels?

  There is strong evidence to suggest that vitamin D is essential to strengthen bones and maintain skeletal health. While some vitamin D can be obtained from diet, our main source of vitamin D is from the sun.

  Cancer Research UK suggests that most people in the UK can make enough Vitamin D by spending short periods of time in the sun and if you are worried about vitamin D deficiency, speak to your doctor.