Abstract: Objective By analyzing the preoperative psychological state of skin cancer patients and put forward nursing counter measures, to create conditions for the smooth operation of the operation and the smooth recovery after surgery. Methods Forty skin cancer patients admitted and treated in our hospital from January 2017 to December 2017 were selected as the research objects. Symptom self-rating scale (SCL-90), self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and Self-rating depression scale (SDS) were used to assess the preoperative psychological state of these patients. The result was compared with Chinese norm. Results The total mean score of symptom self-rating scale, self-rating anxiety scale score and self-rating depression scale score of the patients in this group were all higher than the domestic norm, and had significant difference (all P<0.05). During the SCL-90 screening, fourteen patients had psychotic symptoms, SAS screening had 14 positive cases and SDS screening had 15 positive cases. The scores of compulsive symptom, somatization and hostility were the highest in SCL-90. The average score of all the factors in this scale is higher than the domestic norm, and had significant difference (all P<0.05). Conclusion The head and face are the predilection areas of skin cancer. Preoperative psychological stress, anxiety, depressed mood is outstanding in skin cancer patients. We need to give assessment in time and undertake necessary nursing intervention, to create conditions for the smooth operation of the operation and the smooth recovery after surgery.