As temperatures soar across the UK and more people spend time outdoors, a doctor is warning that one of the most common signs of skin cancer is not actually a suspicious mole. While many people know to watch for changes in moles, experts say some forms of skin cancer can appear as pink patches, scaly areas of skin, or even what looks like a harmless spot that simply refuses to heal.
Doctor Highlights Lesser-Known Warning Signs
Dr Asiya Maula, a private GP at The Health Suite, said these lesser-known warning signs were often missed because they don't fit the image most people have of skin cancer. She said: "When people think about skin cancer, they often picture a dark mole changing shape or colour. While that can absolutely be a warning sign, it's not the only one. Some skin cancers can appear as a pink or red patch, a shiny bump, a scaly area of skin, or even a small sore that repeatedly scabs over but never fully heals."
According to Cancer Research UK, skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK, with rates continuing to rise. Dr Maula said one of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming a mark is harmless because it doesn't look dramatic. "The lesions that concern me most are often the ones people have ignored for months because they don't look particularly worrying," she said. "A patch of skin that remains red, itchy, flaky, or slightly sore for weeks deserves attention, especially if it isn't improving."
Key Warning Signs to Watch For
Experts say people should be aware of a sore that doesn't heal within four weeks, a pink, red, or scaly patch of skin, a shiny, pearly bump, a persistent crusty area, a mole that changes in size, shape, or colour, and any new mark that continues to grow. Dr Maula emphasised: "The key thing is persistence. Skin naturally heals itself remarkably well. If something has been present for weeks or months and isn't resolving, it's worth getting checked."
Why Summer Matters for Skin Cancer Awareness
The warning comes as much of the UK prepares for unusually high temperatures this week. While one weekend in the sun will not directly cause skin cancer, experts say repeated exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation accumulates over time and significantly increases risk. Dr Maula noted: "Many people think of sun damage as something that happens on holiday abroad, but a significant amount of UV exposure occurs in the UK. Gardening, walking the dog, eating lunch outdoors, or sitting in the garden all contribute to your lifetime sun exposure."
When to See a Doctor
Any skin change that persists, evolves, or simply doesn't feel right should be assessed by a healthcare professional. Dr Maula advised: "Most skin changes turn out to be harmless, but skin cancer is one of the cancers where early diagnosis can make a huge difference. I would always rather someone came in and had a harmless spot checked than delayed seeking advice because they didn't think it looked like cancer." She added: "The important message is not to focus solely on moles. If a patch, bump, sore, or mark on your skin is changing or refusing to heal, it deserves attention."
