Skin cancer and melanoma

Key facts Skin cancer occurs when skin cells grow abnormally, usually from too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. The 3 main types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma — melanoma is the most dangerous type. Anyone can get skin cancer, but it is more common in older people, people with fair or freckled skin and those with a family history. There are several ways to treat skin cancer, depending on the type, its size and location, and whether it has spread. Most skin cancers are successfully treated —