Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can spread to other organs in the body.

Melanoma is caused by skin cells that begin to develop abnormally. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun is thought to cause most melanomas, but there’s evidence to suggest that some may result from sunbed exposure. The type of sun exposure that causes melanoma is sudden intense exposure – for example, while on holiday, which leads to sunburn.

Certain things can increase your chances of developing melanoma, such as having:

• Lots of moles or freckles
• Pale skin that burns easily
• Red or blonde hair
• A close family member who’s had melanoma