Understanding melanoma
This page gives you some basic information about melanoma.
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. It is the least common kind of skin cancer, but also the most serious. Most cases of skin cancer are classed as benign, or non-malignant. This means they grow slowly and do not normally spread to other parts of the body. If you have been diagnosed with a type of skin cancer that is not melanoma, the information on this site will not apply to you.
Melanoma is a malignant skin cancer. This means that it is capable of spreading to other parts of the body if it is not found and treated at an early stage. It starts in cells called melanocytes, which make the pigment called melanin. Melanin is the substance that makes skin tan or go darker when exposed to sunlight.
Anyone can get melanoma, but it is most frequent in light-skinned people. Melanoma has become much more common in the last 30 years or so. In the United States, for example, the incidence of melanoma has doubled since 1973. A similar rise has been seen in Australia, New Zealand and some European countries. Researchers think this is because people are exposing their skin to more sunlight – through sunbathing, using sun beds, and taking holidays in areas where the sun is stronger than they are used to at home. The good news is that the increase in melanoma risk seems to have leveled off in many countries.
You can get more information about melanoma and its treatment using the menu on the left of this page.
Information and support is also available from organizations and charities dedicated to people with cancer. Go to our list of patient support organizations to find sources of help and information in your country.
