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Redhead genes linked to skin cancer
Gene variants in people with red hair, pale skin and freckles have been linked to a higher number of gene mutations in skin cancers
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Skin cancer diagnosis and treatment
How do I know if it's skin cancer?
The first signs of skin cancer are usually a noticeable change in an area of skin or the size or shape of a mole.
If you are concerned about these changes, get them checked by your GP.
The GP can then decide whether a referral to a specialist is needed for further assessment, tests and treatment.
Photos of the area may be sent to a specialist by the GP.
Biopsy
A skin cancer diagnosis is confirmed by carrying out a biopsy - removing a small patch of skin or a mole for laboratory testing to check for cancer cells.
The area of skin will be numbed with anaesthetic so the procedure is not painful.
If melanoma skin cancer is diagnosed, other tests may be arranged to assess the degree of cancer spread (metastasis). They include:
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