Understanding Melanoma

This booklet has been prepared to help you understand more about melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Other types of skin cancer include basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which are often called non-melanoma skin cancers.

Many people feel shocked and upset when told they have melanoma. We hope this booklet will help you, your family and friends understand how melanoma is diagnosed and treated. It also includes information about support services. We cannot give advice about the best treatment for you. You need to discuss this with your doctors. However, this information may answer some of your questions and help you think about what to ask your treatment team.

This booklet does not need to be read from cover to cover - just read the parts that are useful to you. Some medical terms that may be unfamiliar are explained in the glossary. You may also like to pass this booklet to family and friends for their information.