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Prevention of Moles

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in this country and the number of people getting it is increasing. Figures have almost doubled since the early 1980s and there are over 69,000 thousand new cases diagnosed in the UK every year. This is why it’s so important to be aware of your skin and regularly check your moles - both old and new.

Check your moles every couple of months for any changes. Look out for the following:

  • Moles that get a lot bigger (most moles are no bigger than the width of a pencil);
  • Moles with uneven colouring – most moles only have one or two colours, but melanomas have lots of different shades;
  • Moles with an uneven or ‘ragged’ edge – moles are usually circular or oval with a smooth border;
  • Bleeding, itching, red, inflamed or crusty moles (that haven’t been picked or caught on something) that don’t get better in a couple of weeks;
  • The appearance of a new mole that looks irregular or unusual. It’s normal to develop new moles as you get older, but you should get them checked out by your GP if the colour’s patchy or the edges are uneven;
  • A sore, lump or blemish that doesn’t have an obvious cause and lasts for more than a few weeks; and
  • Patches of skin that are flaky, itchy, tender, oozing, bleeding or red that don’t have an obvious cause (such as eczema).

Sun safety:

The best prevention against skin cancer is to be careful in the sun and limit the amount of time you spend in the sun.

Don’t be fooled into thinking you’ll only burn if you sunbathe – travelling in a car with the windows down and playing sport outdoors all expose you to the sun. You can burn through the clouds, so it’s a good idea to wear sun protection lotion on your face all year round.

UV radiation from the sun (which burns your skin) is most intense in the middle of the day (between April and September), at high altitudes (such as on skiing holidays) and the closer you are to the equator. Follow these guidelines to stay safe:

  • stay in the shade during the hottest part of the day (between 11am and 3pm);
  • keep babies and young children out of the sun – use a high factor sun cream and dress them in loose clothing to protect their delicate skin;
  • cover up with clothes, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses;
  • use a high-factor suncream (minimum SPF15) and re-apply it regularly, particularly after swimming;
  • avoid using sunlamps or sunbeds as they give out UV rays.