Conclusion

This section has outlined the nature of skin cancer, its epidemiology, clinical presentation, causes and treatment. The different types of pre-malignant, non-melanoma and melanoma cancer have been presented, categorised and examined. Attention has been given to the crucial importance of prevention, patient behaviour, preventative strategies such as selfexamination for both primary disease and malignant melanoma. Reference has also been made to reactions to diagnosis and the importance of patient support. The nurse’s role in prevention, education and support are of crucial importance and the protective activities that the public can undertake to reduce their risk of UV-related damage have been highlighted.