Under the skin: know the signs of skin cancer

Melanoma skin cancer can happen at any age. It's more common in older people, but it is also quite common in younger people. UV radiation from the sun or sunbeds is the main environmental factor that increases the risk.

It is the 5th most common cancer in the UK, accounting for 90% of skin cancer deaths, and around 17,500 people are diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer in the UK each year which has increased over the last few decades.

There is no such thing as a healthy tan, because a tan is caused by UVA radiation penetrating to the lower layers of the epidermis where blood vessels and nerves are found, causing skin cells to develop abnormally. Just because someone doesn’t burn in the sun does not mean that they are protected against skin cancer and associated problems.

As temperatures rise throughout summer, it’s important to look at the different types of skin cancer and how to spot them.

Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma can usually be completely cured with simple treatment or minor procedure. But melanoma behaves differently. It grows quickly and needs to be treated early.

Certain skin types are more prone to melanomas, for example someone with lots of moles or pale skin. People with red or blonde hair may also be more susceptible, as can someone with a close family member who has had melanoma. Other risk factors include: skin type, hair and eye colour, number of moles and family history of melanoma.

It is important to know what your skin looks like normally; this will help in noticing any changes. Use a mirror to check parts of your body that are hard to see or ask a friend or partner to check.

Most moles are flat, although some are raised. They can be pink, brown or black. If you notice a new mole or that an existing one has changed – become itchy, started bleeding or won’t heal – don’t delay in getting it checked out by your GP. It may be harmless, but the sooner you get it looked at the better.

How to check your moles

When it comes to checking moles, use the ABCDE test to help you to remember what to spot.

Asymmetry: non-cancerous moles are often symmetrical. Is one half of the mole different to the other?

Border: are the edges uneven or rough or does it merge into the surrounding skin? Non-cancerous moles will have smooth, even borders.

Colour: is it one shade of colour or is it showing multiple colours?

Diameter: melanomas are usually larger than 6mm

Evolving: moles don’t usually change, so speak to your GP if it’s showing any new symptoms.

Melanomas stand out from other moles, so if a mole looks very different or is much darker than others you have, you should get it checked. Even if you have none of the ABCDE signs, ABCDE is a checklist doctors use which explains some of the signs of melanoma to look out for.

Your doctor will determine whether the mole is malignant – aka cancerous – or benign, which means non-cancerous.

Whether applying liberal amounts of sun cream and dressing appropriately for the sun (especially if you’re in one of the riskier groups) or checking your skin regularly, prevention is always better than cure.

More information can be found on the Cancer Research UK website.