Although malignant melanoma is a comparatively rare form of skin cancer, it is very serious, and develops in the pigment forming cells of the skin.

It is one of the fastest growing cancers in young people; whilst there has been a rapid increase worldwide generally over the past few years, possibly due to depletion of the ozone layer, it is becoming increasingly common; and in the 19 years from 1979 to 1998 new cases increased by 164%.

There were 1640 deaths from the disease in Britain in 1999.

The earlier it is diagnosed, the better the chance of effective treatment.

Detailed information can be obtained from the Cancer Research Campaign web site www.cancerresearchuk.org  and it is worth looking at their seven point checklist for suspected malignant melanoma.