Rising Demand
Around 156,000 cases of non melanoma skin cancer are diagnosed in the UK each year. The number could be higher as we know that they are under reported. This makes it the most common type of cancer by far. Because non melanoma skin cancers are easy to treat and cure, they’re often left out of national cancer statistics.
Skin cancers can grow slowly and it can take some years before the cancer is noticed. But sometimes a skin cancer can grow very quickly, within a few months.
There are 2 main types of skin cancer – non melanoma skin cancer and melanoma skin cancer.
Non melanoma skin cancer includes:
• Basal cell skin cancer – this is also called basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
• Squamous cell skin cancer – this is also called squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
Cancer Research has a section of its website about non melanoma skin cancer here. They have another section for melanoma skin cancer here.
The Superficial X-ray Therapy unit is vital equipment is primarily used for the treatment of skin cancers, particularly basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma (both non-melanoma skin cancers). It also plays an important role in reducing raised skin lesions caused by previous radiotherapy, helping to improve patient comfort and outcomes.
As demand grows, reliable, modern treatment equipment at the RUH is vital.
References: Cancer Research UK / © Cancer Research UK [2002] All rights reserved. Information taken 16/02/26 / Cancer Research UK is independent of Bath Cancer Unit Support Group
What Is Superficial X-ray Therapy?
Superficial X-ray Therapy is a highly targeted, non-surgical treatment used primarily for skin cancers and certain benign conditions.
It is commonly used to treat:
• Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
• Other non-melanoma skin cancers
• Keloid scars
• Dupuytren’s contracture
For many patients — particularly older individuals or those for whom surgery may not be suitable — it provides a fast, effective alternative with minimal recovery time.
Maintaining this capability locally makes a significant difference to patient comfort and access to care.
Why This Appeal Is Urgent
The existing Superficial X-ray Therapy unit was originally funded by BCUSG in 2010. Thanks to exceptional care and maintenance, it has remained in service for 15 years — five years beyond its typical replacement cycle.
It has now reached the end of its safe operational life. Replacing it is essential to maintain local treatment capacity and avoid patients having to travel elsewhere for care.
How You Can Help
Every contribution, whatever the size, moves us closer to our £325,000 goal.
You can:
• Make a one-off donation
• Set up a regular monthly gift
• Donate on behalf of a company or organisation
• Give in memory of a loved one
Donations can be made quickly and securely online.
What Your Support Will Achieve
A new unit will:
• Safeguard local specialist treatment
• Reduce the need for travel outside the region
• Improve reliability and efficiency of care
• Support thousands of patients over its lifetime
This appeal is about protecting the future of cancer treatment in our community.
Major Gifts and Corporate Support
About Bath Cancer Unit Support Group
The origins of Bath Cancer Unit Support Group date back to 1979, when Shepton Mallet farmer Chris Norman learned that the cancer unit at the Royal United Hospital was at risk of being closed and relocated to Bristol. Determined to protect local cancer services, the charity was born.
Today, BCUSG is a small, local charity run entirely by volunteers. We exist to support cancer services at the RUH by funding:
● Life-saving equipment
● Enhanced facilities
● Patient comfort initiatives
● Essential services not covered by NHS funding
When you donate to BCUSG, you are supporting all of our projects — helping improve care for cancer patients across our region.
If you would like to find out more about this project and our charity, do a collection or a fundraising event for The Bath Cancer Unit Support Group please contact our fundraising lead Alan Webb on 07896 741 233 or you can email him at fundraising@bcusg.org