As temperatures climb across the UK and more Brits head outdoors, a doctor is cautioning that one of the most frequent indicators of skin cancer isn't actually a dodgy mole. While many are aware to monitor changes in moles, medical professionals say certain types of skin cancer can manifest as pink patches, flaky skin areas or even what appears to be an innocent spot that simply won't heal.
Overlooked Warning Signs
Dr Asiya Maula, a private GP at The Health Suite, said these less familiar warning signs were frequently overlooked because they don't match the picture most 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."
Common Misconceptions
According to Cancer Research UK, skin cancer is amongst the most prevalent cancers in the UK, with rates continuing to climb. Dr Maula said one of the greatest errors people make is presuming a mark is benign because it doesn't appear alarming. "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 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
- Any new mark that continues to grow
Dr Maula said: "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."
Summer Sun Exposure
The warning comes as much of the UK braces itself for unusually high temperatures this week. While a single weekend in the sun won't directly cause skin cancer, experts warn that repeated exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation builds up over time and substantially raises the risk. Dr Maula said: "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 change to the skin that persists, develops or simply doesn't feel right ought to be examined by a medical professional. Dr Maula said: "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."
