We get snow in March and wash-out Bank Holidays are pretty much a given but, even so, skin cancer is a growing problem in the UK.
In fact, according to the British Skin Foundation, at least 100,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed every year in the UK and the condition kills (the equivalent of) seven people daily.
But even though you know it’s important to take care of your skin, how often do you give it a proper once over? And what about those moles? Could you honestly say whether they’ve changed in size or shape since you looked at them last?
According to the British Skin Foundation, most people have between ten and 50 moles – and with many malignant melanomas (a cancer of the pigment cells of the skin) occurring on or around moles, knowing your normal is key for detecting early warning signs of skin cancer.
No idea where to start or what to look for? Read on for how to slash your skin cancer risk.
WHAT IS A MOLE?
First up, the basics. When it comes to your skin, moles are formed when the skin cells that produce skin pigmentation cluster together. How many you have depends not only on sun exposure, but also genetics. “Some families are more ‘moley’ than others,” says Martina Prokopicova, screening nurse at The MOLE Clinic. “Generally, the more moles you have, the more at risk you are of having a melanoma – the least common but most serious form of skin cancer. Statistically, women are more prone to melanoma on their legs, while men are more prone to melanoma on their back.”
WHAT’S THE WORRY ABOUT MELANOMAS?
As Prokopicova says, although melanoma is the least common form of skin cancers – the other forms being squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma – it is the most serious. Yet, if it is caught early, survival is high – three quarters of the people who have a melanoma removed will have no further problems says the British Skin Foundation. Leave it – or miss it – though, and it could spread deep into the skin or even to other parts of the body.
Although people who burn easily are more at risk, melanomas can appear in areas that are covered or that have never burned, so if you have any concerns over your moles or skin, always seek medical advice.
Read on if you're wondering what's your skin cancer risk.
“Unlike most cancers, melanoma occurs relatively frequently at younger ages – making it the second most common cancer in young adults,” Prokopicova says.
As shown by Tawny Dzierzek in her vital skin cancer selfie.
HOW DO YOU CHECK MOLES?
“We recommend you self-monitor your moles a few times every year,” says Prokopicova. “If you have a lot of moles, it may help to take and save photographs of them for comparison over time. A melanoma will usually appear as either a new mole or a changing mole so if you spot these two changes, in particular, see a skin specialist to have it checked.”
Keep reading for the ABCD of changes to watch out for.
Ideally your moles should look even as this shows they are growing regularly. If the two halves differ in shape, it could be a sign of skin cancer.
Watch out for blurred or irregular edges to your moles, and for any notches. Healthy moles tend to be round and clearly defined.
Can you see more than one colour in your moles – shades of black, brown or pink, for example? Healthy moles usually have one uniform colour. The darkening or varying of a moles colour can be a warning sign.
If any of your moles measure more than 7mm in diameter, get yourself checked. Although malignant melanomas may be smaller than this, typically they are larger.
“It’s also important to be aware of any sensation in a mole – such as itching,” says Prokopicova. “If this occurs without explanation – for example, the mole isn’t rubbing on clothing – then it would be wise to see a specialist.”
But, before you go booking in an appointment sharpish, remember, too, that it is normal for moles to change in appearance over time. The key is that this process should be slow and unnoticeable. “Fast, noticeable changes are suspicious as these could be the result of cancerous mutations,” Prokopicova says.
WHAT CAN REDUCE THE RISK OF SKIN CANCER?
According to the British Skin Foundation, the best way to protect your moles and to reduce your skin cancer risk is by staying safe in the sun. UV exposure is the main preventable cause. And yes, that applies here in Blighty, too.
Reduce your risk of sunburn by covering up, wearing sunscreen (and giving it 20-30 minutes to absorb into the skin) and staying out of the sun between 100am and 3pm – particularly if you are fair skinned.
Not sure which sun-care product is best for your skin? Read this advice from a skin care expert on the best sun creams for spotty, oily and sensitive skin.