Skin cancer is usually divided into melanoma and non melanoma. Melanoma symptoms depend on how advanced the cancer is. In the early stages or thin melanoma, the cancer is difficult to detect as it often looks very similar to moles or freckles that you may have already. However, a melanoma will often be irregular in shape, have a border that looks 'jagged' (moles usually have a regular border) and have more than one colour. Especially, if your mole has changed at all in size, shape or colour you should have it checked.

With non melanoma typical early symptoms are sore spots on the skin, which don't heal. If you have a spot that is sore, bleeding or itchy, and doesn't get better after a month, you should see a doctor.

A shiny lump, often with hard or scaly skin, can also be a warning sign, especially if it bleeds or looks like developing into an ulcer.