Non-melanoma skin cancer is a common type of cancer that starts in the top layer of skin. The main types are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Non-melanoma skin cancer can often be easily treated. The main cause is ultraviolet light, which comes from the sun and is used in sunbeds.

Things that increase your chances of getting non-melanoma skin cancer include your age, having pale skin and having had skin cancer in the past. It's possible to reduce your risk of skin cancer by being careful in the sun – for example, by using sunscreen and reapplying it regularly.