6 Warning Signs of Skin Cancer

Cancer is one of the scariest things that we will face in our lifetimes, so it is important to be aware of the warning signs in order to try and catch it as easily as possible. Whilst we are aware of many of the checks that we need to do to keep ourselves safe from certain types of cancer, many still do not realise the dangers of skin cancer and how to spot it, which is shocking when you consider that it is now the most common form of cancer in the UK.

Whilst some cancers can remain hidden, there are warning signs that you can look for to spot the early stages of skin cancer. Not every mole or lesion on your body will be cancerous, and the vast majority are probably harmless, but it is important to get them checked out as soon as you can, just to be sure.

Here, Melissa Wilson, Practice Manager at Skin Inspection have put together some of the key things that you need to be on the lookout for.

1. Asymmetry

Most melanomas are asymmetrical, which means that one side can look different to the other. If you were to draw a line through the mole or lesion, the two halves would not match.

2. Borders

It is important to pay close attention to the borders of a melanoma, as these can provide a big clue. Instead of a perfect circle, melanoma borders tend to be uneven which are not smooth. If you find that the borders look jagged, notched or even blurred, then it is time to get it checked out.

3. Colour

The colour of a mark or mole is also an important factor. Again, you should be on the lookout for something that is not even, and so it may have darker patches or might vary from brown, to black, pink, red, white or even blue. As it grows, you might find that the colours change or become even more varied. You should also keep an eye out for any lesion that appears to be darker than all of the rest on your body.

4. Diameter

The size of your mole or lesion can also be an indication of something that needs to be checked out. Anything which is 6mm or larger across the middle should be seen by a medical professional. This does not mean that anything smaller is harmless, but if it has reached this size then it does need to be looked at.

5. Evolution

Most of us have moles on our body that have been there since childhood and have never really changed. The ones that you need to be concerned about are the ones which are starting to change over a matter of weeks or months. This could be relating to the size, colour or shape or it might be more elevated than it used to be. Changes could also include any bleeding, itching or crusting.

6. The odd one out

As a general rule, most of the marks on your body will be fairly similar in shape, size and colour, so if you notice something that is different to all the rest, then you should have it looked at. It may not conform to any of the other warning signs, but if it is new or different then it needs medical attention.

There can be a lot to remember, but the key point is to spot anything that looks different or unusual for you. If you spot any changes or anything that concerns you, then it is important to get it checked by a doctor as soon as possible.