Certain risk factors have been identified. The risk of developing skin cancer can be reduced by cutting down on exposure to ultraviolet light and increasing protection measures. Children and young adults who are over-exposed to the sun and suffer blistering or burning are at increased risk of developing a MM in later life. Very rarely, malignant melanoma may be due to a genetic or familial tendency to the disease. Both basal and squamous cell skin cancers can appear anywhere on the body but are more likely to appear on exposed skin, especially the face, neck, arms, hands and lower legs.
Most MMs start in normal skin.
Others may develop in existing moles. People should be, encouraged to report any unusual marks on the skin which last more than a few weeks or an existing mole which shows any of the above signs. Many people feel overwhelmed when told they have a diagnosis of skin cancer. The prospect of potentially disfiguring treatment can be hard to cope with. People in this situation need accurate information and sensitive support to help them understand what is happening.