The NHS has issued a skin cancer warning, urging people to check their moles for early signs of melanoma using the ABCDE method. This comes as figures from Cancer Research UK show melanoma skin cancer is the fifth most prevalent cancer in the UK, accounting for five per cent of all new cancer cases. It is also the 19th most common cause of cancer-related death, representing two per cent of all UK cancer fatalities.
What is Melanoma?
Melanoma is a form of skin cancer capable of spreading to other parts of the body. Ultraviolet (UV) light is the most frequent cause of melanoma. It originates from the sun and is also used in sunbeds. While melanoma is more prevalent amongst older individuals, younger people can also develop it.
The ABCDE Checklist
In a post on social media platform X, the NHS clarified that using the alphabet can help examine your moles. It said: "Use the ABCDE list to help check existing or new moles and spot the warning signs of skin cancer. If you spot any changes that you think could be cancer, contact your GP."
A new mole or an alteration in an existing mole is a potential indicator of melanoma. As outlined in the NHS post, this can mean it is:
- Asymmetrical - is your mole an uneven shape?
- Border - is the edge ragged?
- Colours - is your mole different colours?
- Diameter - is it bigger than 6 millimetres?
- Evolving - has it changed size, shape or colour?
Other Warning Signs
Additional warning signs to be aware of include moles that are swollen and tender, bleeding, itchy, or crusty. The NHS advises that you should consult a GP if:
- You have a mole that's changed size, shape or colour
- You have a mole that's painful or itchy
- You have a mole that's inflamed, bleeding or crusty
- You have a new or unusual mark on your skin that has not gone away after a few weeks
- You have a dark area under a nail that has not been caused by an injury
How to Lower Your Risk
Protecting yourself from the sun is the most effective way to reduce your chances of developing skin cancer (both melanoma and non-melanoma). The NHS therefore recommends that you should:
- Stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day (11am to 3pm in the UK)
- Keep your arms and legs covered and wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses that provide protection against ultraviolet (UV) rays
- Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 and at least 4-star UVA protection – make sure you reapply it regularly
- Make sure babies and children are protected from the sun – their skin is much more sensitive than adult skin
