This is especially the case if it looks a bit odd. Cases of melanoma are projected to reach a record high of 20,800 in Britain this year. And while not all spots are a cause for concern, it's always worth being over-cautious rather than dismissive.
Figures revealed by Cancer Research UK show rates of melanoma surged from 21 to 28 per 100,000 people between 2007-09 and 2017-19. The biggest spike has been in the over-80s, with diagnoses soaring by 57 per cent since 2014. Melanoma frequently starts as a new mole, or a change in mole you already have.
The ABCDE rule can be followed to assess the health of a mole. If your mole falls into the following, it’s worth getting checked: There are three major types of skin cancer - basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Caught early, skin cancer has a good survival rate - 90 per cent if the disease is detected at stage one.
Experts estimate 86 per cent of cases are preventable. But millions of Brits are putting their lives at risk, by not using suncream using sunbeds. Exposure to UV light from the sun or tanning beds is usually why people develop skin cancer.
Dr Kaye says: “In order to prevent all kinds of skin cancer, the best thing you can do is limit your sun exposure and be sure to wear high factor, broad spectrum SPF when you are in the sun.” The NHS recommends people use shade, clothing and a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 while exposed to the sun. The most common sign of skin cancer is a change to a.
