Melanoma

This information tells you about melanoma, its causes and symptoms and what is likely to happen if you are diagnosed with this type of cancer.

Quick facts

Melanoma is a cancer that usually starts in the skin, either in a mole or in normal-looking skin. About half of all melanomas start in normal-looking skin.
The number of people developing melanoma is continuing to rise. More than 10,600 people in the UK are diagnosed with melanoma each year.
Melanoma is more common in women, particularly young women. In the UK it’s the most common cancer in people aged 15–34.
In women the most common place to develop melanoma is on the legs; in men it’s on the chest and the back.

We also have information about skin cancer|.

Social Media Groups

Questions about cancer?

For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)

Ask Macmillan

If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.

Melanoma booklets and audiobook

You might prefer to read this information in a booklet or listen to an audiobook. You can order these free from be.Macmillan

Order information|

Contact us

If you have any questions about Macmillan we would love to hear from you| .

You can also follow us| on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr or YouTube.

About this site

Other Macmillan resources

Bookmark this page

what are these?|

Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7UQ.

Melanoma

Quick facts

About Melanoma

Treating melanoma

Treating advanced melanoma

Symptoms and diagnosis

Treating recurrent melanoma

Further resources