non melanoma skin cancer

Is Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Dangerous?

There are 2 main types of skin cancer – melanoma and non-melanoma. 

Non-melanoma may sound less threatening, but the danger is not to be ignored. It may be less aggressive, but it is also more common than melanoma skin cancer and is potentially fatal. Non-melanoma still accounts for a number of deaths in the UK, the majority of which are ‘unnecessary ‘ as most melanoma cases care related to UV exposure and sun damage.

Statistics show that non-melanoma:

  • Non-Melanoma
    • 151,739 new cases (2015-2017, UK)
    • 1,115 deaths from melanoma skin cancer (2015-2017, UK)
    • 99% survival rate (for 10 or more years, 2013-2017, England)
    • Source: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/non-melanoma-skin-cancer
    • About 90% of nonmelanoma skin cancers are preventable, as they are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Source: Koh HK, Geller AC, Miller DR, et al. Prevention and early detection strategies for melanoma and skin cancer: Current status. Arch Dermatol 1996; 132(4):436-442.
  • Melanoma
    • 16,201 new cases (2015-2017, UK)
    • 2,347 deaths from melanoma skin cancer (2015-2017, UK)
    • 87% survival rate (for 10 or more years, 2013-2017, England)
    • 86% of melanomas are preventable, as they can be attributed to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun (UK, 2015)
    • Source: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/melanoma-skin-cancer

Preventing Non-Melanoma

The NHS say:

“Non-melanoma skin cancer is not always preventable, but you can reduce your chance of developing it by avoiding overexposure to UV light.”

Early diagnosis and treatment is always best, whatever the diagnosis.

Mole Checks

Cosmedics Skin Clinics’ doctors and surgeons offer full mole checks at their London and Bristol clinics. This is the most comprehensive review of moles and is designed to flag up anything suspicious.

A normal mole consultation is a shorter appointment to focus simply on the specific mole that a patient is concerned to have removed.

Private Mole Removal

Cosmedics’ Skin Surgery Laser Clinics offer private mole removal at a selection of clinics based in London and Bristol. Moles are removed using the latest surgical techniques including laser mole removal; with trained doctors and surgeons.

For more information about moles, see:

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7386 0464.