Skin cancer is a form of cancer that begins when our skin cells are damaged, in most cases by excess exposure to UV rays from the sun. 

Types of skin cancer:

Non-melanoma, which includes basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and melanoma skin cancers.  

Both types are very common and are often caused by long-term sun exposure.  Skin cancers are the most common cancers diagnosed in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Risk factors for skin cancer:

Certain people are at increased risks of developing a skin cancer including:

• People with fair skin, red hair, blue eyes

• People who have experienced previous peeling and blistering sunburns

• Sun-bed users 

• People who have been outdoors for much of their lifetime, for recreational or occupational reasons 

• Patients who have previously had chemotherapy

• A previous history of skin cancer (melanoma or non melanoma skin cancer) puts you at higher risk of developing another skin cancer