Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the world, and in the UK cases are rising. 

According to Cancer Research UK, more than 20,000 people in the UK were diagnosed with melanoma in 2022. Although one of the most common types of cancers, 86% of melanoma skin cancer cases are preventable. This is why it is important that whilst we enjoy the sunshine, we also understand the importance of sun protection and the risks of UV exposure.

At Thames Skin Clinic, our founder Dr Anna Hemming has been caring for patients with skin health concerns since 2008. A fully qualified medical doctor with over 22 years of clinical experience, Dr Hemming is the 2026 and 2025 winner of Best Medical Practitioner in the UK. Thames Skin Clinic is CQC-registered and has been recognised as one of the leading medical skin clinics in Twickenham and the UK. 

What Are the Different Types of Skin Cancer?

There are two main types of skin cancer: melanoma and non-melanoma. 

Non-melanoma skin cancer develops in the upper layers of the skin (the epidermis). The two most common forms are:

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most frequently diagnosed type of non-melanoma skin cancer.
• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is less common but more likely to spread if left untreated.

Non-melanoma skin cancers most often appear in areas regularly exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, hands, shoulders, upper chest and back. 

Melanoma is the more serious form of skin cancer. It can spread to other organs and is the type with the fastest rising incidence rate in the UK.

Important Facts About Skin Cancer

• Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the world.
• 1 in 36 men will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime.
• 1 in 47 women will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime.
• 86% of melanoma skin cancer cases are preventable.
• Overexposure to the sun or sunbeds are the main cause of all skin cancers. 
• More than 1 in 4 skin cancer cases are diagnosed in people under 50, which is usually early compared with most other types of cancer.

Brown or black skin is more susceptible to a type of melanoma that is not associated with sun exposure but appears on the palms, soles, under the nails and in mucosal membranes such as the mouth. These areas should be regularly checked for people with this skin type.

How to Protect Your Skin From Sun Damage

The most effective way to reduce your skin cancer risk is consistent and daily sun protection. That does not just mean on holiday but daily. 

• Always use 5* UVA-rated sun protection SPF 30-50.
• Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to protect against sun exposure as well as digital screen light damage from harmful visible light rays.
• Don’t forget to apply sun cream to those easy to miss places such as lips, tops of ears, back of neck, feet and scalp.
• Drink plenty of water. 
• Cover up with a hat and long sleeves.
• Limit your time in the sun and stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm.
• Do not let your skin go red or burn.
• Protection can rub off when it comes into contact with sand, water, towels or sweat, so you should reapply every two hours. 
• Do not use a sunbed or sunlamp. If it is important for you to look tanned, use fake tan lotions or sprays.
• Protect your skin with a professional skincare programme
• Restore healthy skin with specific laser treatments available from clinics for treatment of dischromia (the brown pigmentation and small red thread veins and angionas left by sun damage).

At Thames Skin Clinic, we recommend ZO Skin Health SPF products as part of a daily skincare routine. The range includes non-comedogenic, broad-spectrum formulas that protect against UV damage and is suitable for all skin types. 

Book a Mole Screening

It’s important to check your skin regularly for any new or changing moles, spots or lesions.

Here you can find a video of how to do a self examination.

Dr Anna Hemming is a fully qualified medical doctor with over 22 years of experience, including more than 14 years dedicated to skin health. As founder of Thames Skin Clinic, a CQC-registered, doctor-led clinic in Twickenham, she offers mole screening appointments for patients across Twickenham, Richmond, Wimbledon, London and all across the country.

Contact us today to learn more about our mole screenings and removals.

Treatment for Sun Damage at Thames Skin Clinic

Sun damage often causes visible changes to the skin that can be treated. At Thames Skin Clinic, Dr Anna Hemming and her team treat a range of concerns caused by chronic sun exposure.

Actinic keratosis (solar keratosis) are rough, scaly patches that develop on skin repeatedly exposed to UV light. A small proportion of these can develop into skin cancer if left untreated. We use plasma treatment in clinics to remove these lesions safely and precisely.

For the pigmentation, redness and thread veins that sun damage leaves behind, we offer:

• Cutera Excel V+ Laser: targets vascular damage, redness and sun-induced discolouration
• Laser Genesis: reduces redness, stimulates collagen and addresses superficial post-inflammatory pigmentation
• Chemical Peels: deeper exfoliation to address sun spots and uneven skin tone
• Skin Rejuvenation treatments: a range of options to restore healthy, even skin after sun damage

Sun damage can also worsen other skin conditions. If you have rosacea, for example, UV exposure is one of the most common triggers for flare-ups.

Contact us today to book a consultation with Dr Hemming to address any skin concerns you have.