With warmer days ahead, many of us are eager to soak up the sun. But it's also a reminder to pay attention to our skin – especially our moles.
Skin cancer rates have been rising in the UK, and keeping an eye on your moles is important.
Skin cancer is very common in the UK. Melanoma, the most serious form that often develops from moles, according to Cancer Research UK is the 5th most common cancer with about 17,500 new cases each year. Non-melanoma skin cancers (like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) are even more common(around 156,000 UK cases per year)but are usually less dangerous.
Early detection and better treatments are improving outcomes, but melanoma still causes about 2,300 deaths a year in the UK.
Not every mole is dangerous – we all have marks on our skin that are perfectly normal. Still, it's important to recognise when a mole isn't normal for you. A handy way to remember the warning signs is the ABCDE rule. Suspicious moles may be: Asymmetrical, have an irregular Border, show uneven Colour, be larger in Diameter than 6mm, or Evolving(changing in size, shape or symptoms).
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the biggest risk factor for skin cancer.
Sunburn is a major red flag. Just one blistering sunburn every two years can triple your risk of melanoma according to Worldwide Cancer Research. Even a mild sunburn is a sign of skin damage.
Tanning habits also affect your risk. Using sunbeds sharply increases the risk of skin cancer (it’s illegal for under-18s to use sunbeds in the UK).
When the sun comes out, you don’t have to hide – just be smart about protection. Here are the key sun safety steps experts recommend:
Combining shade, clothing and sunscreen greatly reduces your risk of sunburn. Experts estimate that around 9 in 10 melanoma cases could be prevented by being safe in the sun and avoiding sunbeds.
Make it a habit to check your skin for new or changing moles about once a month (using a full-length mirror and/or a partner to help with hard-to-see areas like your back and backs of legs).
When checking, remember the ABCDE signs, and look for any mole that stands out as an "ugly duckling" (one that looks different from your other moles). Also watch for warning signs like a mole that's itchy, bleeding, or forming a scab without healing.
Finding a suspicious mole early makes treatment much easier– melanoma is often curable if caught at an early stage. So give your skin regular once-overs for peace of mind.
Getting a Mole Checked: NHS vs Private Options
If you're worried about a mole, your first step should be to see a GP. On the NHS, your GP can examine the mole and refer you to a dermatologist if needed – in England, suspected melanomas are seen by a specialist within 2 weeks. The dermatologist will examine your skin (and possibly remove the mole or take a small sample) to determine if it's cancerous.
But if you're anxious or facing long waits, you have the option to go private. You can opt for a private skin check – either by booking directly with a dermatologist or by seeing a private GP. Private GP clinics (like Private GP Services) can also assess your moles and refer you quickly if needed.
Either way, don't ignore a suspicious mole – getting it checked will give you peace of mind and ensure that if there's a problem, you catch it early.
Sunshine is great, but be sun-smart – wear sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, seek shade at midday, and check your skin regularly. These simple habits dramatically reduce your skin cancer risk.
Staying vigilant about moles doesn't mean you can't have fun– it just means you're looking after your health. So as you enjoy the longer days, take those extra precautions. With a little care, you can have a sunny and safe summer!
