Skin cancer

This section is about the more common types of skin cancers that are not melanoma, often called non-melanoma skin cancer (see separate section for melanoma). The skin is made up of two layers, the outer (top) layer which is called epidermis and an inner layer called dermis. The skin cancers described in this section develop in the outer layer (epidermis) of the skin and are named according to the type of cells where the cancer develops from. There are two main types, one starting in the cells lining the bottom of the skin´s outer layer (basal cells) and the other starting in the cells lining the top of the skin´s outer layer (squamous cells). 75% of skin cancers develops from the basal cells and are therefore called basal cell carcinoma. We don´t know the exact cause of non-melanoma skin cancer but there are certain factors that can increase the risk of developing it. The most important risk factor is overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light which comes from both the sun and sunbeds and other sunlamps. Is also seems that family history of skin cancer can be a risk factor for some, although most non-melanoma skin cancers do not run in families. Certain non-cancerous skin conditions can also increase people´s risk of developing skin cancer and contact with certain chemicals can also increase the risk. Please see below if you want to find out more about skin cancer.

To help you find answers to some of your questions, we have linked to Maggie’s CancerLinks where you will be signposted to high quality information about skin cancer. The information on these websites is not written specifically for young people but it is written using simple language in a way that most people will be able to understand. Don’t worry if there are lots of links to different websites. Have a look on the description of the links and very often you will find the information you are searching for on the first website that you look at. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer which is treated very differently to basal and squamous cell skin cancers. To find out more about melanoma, and the help and support available for any affected by melanoma, please visit the Melanoma section on Maggie's CancerLinks. If you just want general information about cancer you could read the ‘About cancer’ section on riprap.

Remember that the information on these sites is general. Within each cancer type, there are different variations, different stages, different treatments and people may also respond differently to the same treatments. Each person is an individual and because of this, generic information may not fit the situation you are thinking of. Often your parents or someone else who knows the details can answer your questions best. Also, please feel free to get in touch with us here at riprap. We can help you sorting through information or discuss things you’ve heard or read or anything at all that’s on your mind.

Don’t forget that there are lots of effective treatments for cancer these days and many cancers can be completely cured. There are also very good treatments to control cancers that cannot be cured and research is going on all the time to find new treatments that can control and cure cancers.

Page updated 17 July 2017