Overview
- Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can spread to other areas of the body.
- The main cause of melanoma is ultraviolet light, which comes from the sun and is used in sunbeds.
- Things that increase your chances of getting melanoma include your age and having pale skin, a large number of moles and a family history of skin cancer.
- It's often possible to prevent skin cancer by being careful in the sun - for example, by using sunscreen and reapplying it regularly.
- How melanoma is treated depends on where it is, if it has spread to other areas of your body and your general health. Surgery is the main treatment.
Information:
There's another type of skin cancer called non-melanoma skin cancer. It's more common and usually less serious than melanoma.
Important: Get your symptoms checked
It's important to get any symptoms of melanoma skin cancer checked as soon as possible.
Page last reviewed: 06 March 2023
Next review due: 06 March 2026
Information sourced from the NHS. If you have concerns about your medication or symptoms, pop in or call Hedon Pharmacy - we're here to help.
Read on nhs.uk