The bigger picture

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer than starts in melanocytes cells that are found between the dermis and epidermis (inner and outer skin layers). These cells are responsible for producing melanin, which gives the skin its colour by absorbing ultraviolet radiation from the sun. 

According to Cancer Research UK, melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in this country, with around 16,000 people diagnosed with the condition every year. Survival rates are good, with just under 90 per cent of men and just over 90 per cent of women with melanoma surviving at least a decade after their diagnosis. The key to a positive prognosis is early detection, as this means there is a smaller chance of the cancer having grown into the skin and spread to other areas or sites of the body.

The main risk factors for developing melanoma are age, ultraviolet light, having fair skin or freckles (particularly if born in a hot country), sunburn, sunbed use, having a large number of moles or birthmarks, and having a family history of melanoma or a personal history of other cancers. There also appears to be a link with high body mass index, female sex hormones, and certain chronic conditions.

Treatment depends on whether the melanoma is localised or has spread. If the former, surgery is usually the main treatment, with the abnormal area of skin plus a small amount of surrounding tissue removed. If the cancer has become more widespread, more invasive surgery plus other treatments such as chemotherapy, laser treatment, immunotherapy, or targeted cancer drugs may be brought into the management plan.