Skin cancer awareness: how to spot it and what to do next

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK. Skin Cancer Awareness is crucial because the good news is that finding it early can make a real difference to treatment and outcomes. This article will highlight the importance of Skin Cancer Awareness and what it means for you and your family.

Being aware of the signs helps you notice changes sooner and seek medical advice without delay. In this article, we’ll explain what to look for, how to check your skin at home, and what to do if you’re concerned.

Know the signs of skin cancer: changes to watch for

Most skin changes are harmless, but it’s important to keep an eye on anything new or unusual.

Watch for:

• A new mole or mark that appears on your skin
• An existing mole that changes in size, shape or colour
• A sore that doesn’t heal
• A lump or patch that bleeds, crusts or keeps returning

Melanoma often develops as a new mole or causes changes to an existing one. Non-melanoma skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, can look different. They may appear as a pearly lump, a rough scaly patch, a wart-like growth or a sore that won’t heal.

Pay particular attention to your face, ears, neck and other areas that receive regular sun exposure. However, skin cancer can develop anywhere on the body.

One helpful way to assess moles is the ABCDE guide.

• A – Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other.
• B – Border: The edges are uneven, blurred or irregular.
• C – Colour: There are several colours or uneven shading.
• D – Diameter: The mole is larger than 6mm, although smaller ones can also be concerning.
• E – Evolving: The mole changes in size, shape, colour or begins to itch or bleed.

It’s also worth looking out for the “ugly duckling” sign. This is a mole that looks noticeably different from all your others.

Skin cancer can look different on different skin tones. On lighter skin, suspicious areas may appear pink, red or mottled. On darker skin, they may be dark brown, black or even close to the surrounding skin colour. Melanoma can also develop on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, beneath the nails and on the lower legs.

If you notice rapid changes, unexplained bleeding, persistent pain, ulceration or a new dark streak beneath a nail, arrange an appointment with your GP as soon as possible.

How to check your skin for cancer at home

Checking your skin once a month is one of the best ways to become familiar with what’s normal for you.

After a bath or shower, examine your skin in good lighting using both a full-length mirror and a handheld mirror.

Remember to check:

• Your face and neck
• Your scalp
• Your chest and back
• Under the breasts
• Your arms, hands and fingernails
• Your buttocks and genital area
• Your legs, feet, soles and between your toes

Keeping a record makes it much easier to spot changes over time.

You could:

• Take clear photographs of moles or marks.
• Record their size, colour and shape.
• Note any itching, tenderness, crusting or bleeding.
• Compare photographs every month.
• Ask a family member or friend to check difficult-to-see areas such as your back or scalp.

What to do if you’re concerned

If you notice a suspicious mole or skin change, contact your GP.

Explain what you’ve noticed and when the change first appeared. Your GP may examine the area using a dermatoscope, a handheld device that allows them to see the skin more clearly.

If needed, you’ll be referred to a dermatologist or specialist clinic for further assessment. This may include a small biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

Although waiting for appointments can feel worrying, most skin changes are not cancer. Getting them checked promptly is always the safest approach.

Protecting your skin

While not every case of skin cancer can be prevented, reducing your exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation lowers your risk.

You can protect your skin by:

• Seeking shade between 11am and 3pm
• Wearing a wide-brimmed hat
• Choosing UV-protective clothing and sunglasses
• Applying broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen regularly
• Avoiding sunbeds

These simple habits can help protect your skin throughout the year, even on cloudy days.

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Learn more about our Caremark NI office and explore our home care in Belfast, North Down & Ards, and Lisburn & Down. Get in touch today to find out how we can support you or your loved one.