Cutaneous malignant melanoma (MM), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) exhibit markedly different natural histories, but few studies have compared risk factors in individuals from a single population. Using logistic regression analysis in case and control groups, we assessed, the association of individual characteristics with MM (n = 240) and SCC (n = 184). We also compared differences in risk factors (eye/hair colour, skin type, smoking history, occupation, social class, tumour site) between MM/BCC and SCC/BCC. MM patients were more likely to have red/blonde hair and blue/green eyes than controls, and those with SCC more likely to have red/blonde hair, blue/green eyes, outdoor occupation, skin type 1 and to have smoked more. There were few differences in individual characteristics between the skin cancer groups, illustrating their non-specific nature. Tumour site, however, showed marked differences: MM patients were more likely to have a tumour on the trunk or limbs than BCC patients, while patients with SCC were more likely to have a tumour on the limbs. Reasons for this variation are unclear. The relatively weak effect of individual factors supports the view of a multifactorial disease and suggests that interactions between UV exposure and genetic predisposition may be more significant determinants of risk.