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Melanoma is a form cancer that originates from melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells predominantly found in the skin.¹

Melanoma accounts for only 4% of all skin cancers; however, melanoma is responsible for 80% of deaths from skin cancer.²

Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the UK, accounting for 5% of all new cancer cases in 2016.³

Melanoma is most commonly diagnosed in patients aged 85–89 years.³

References

1. American Cancer Society. What is melanoma skin cancer? Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/melanoma-skin-cancer/about/what-is-melanom... (accessed January 2020).
2. Miller AJ and Mihm MC. N Engl J Med 2006;335:51–65.
3. Cancer Research UK. Melanoma skin cancer statistics. Available at: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/s... (accessed January 2020).