There is nothing you can do to prevent moles from forming, but you can take measures to lower the risk of a mole becoming cancerous (malignant melanoma).
Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK, and the number of people who develop skin cancer is increasing. According to Cancer Research UK, there are over 10,600 people diagnosed with melanoma (a type of skin cancer) every year in the UK. This is why it is so important to be aware of your skin and regularly check your moles, both old and new.
You should check your moles every few months for any changes. Look out for the following:
- moles that get a lot bigger: most moles are no bigger than the width of a pencil
- moles with uneven colouring: most moles only have one or two colours but melanomas have lots of different shades
- moles with an uneven or ragged edge: moles are usually circular or oval with a smooth border
- bleeding, itching, red, inflamed (swollen) or crusty moles: if your moles are like this and they have not been picked or caught on something, seek medical attention
- the appearance of a new mole that looks irregular or unusual: it is normal to develop new moles as you get older but you should get them checked out by your GP if the colours are patchy or the edges are uneven
- a sore lump or blemish that does not have an obvious cause and lasts for more than a few weeks
- patches of skin that are flaky, itchy, tender, oozing, bleeding or red that do not have an obvious cause, such as eczema (a condition that causes dry, flaky skin)
Visit your GP immediately if you notice anything unusual about a mole or if you have a mole that is getting bigger.
Sun safety
The best prevention against skin cancer is to be careful in the sun and limit the amount of time that you spend in it.
Do not be fooled into thinking you will only burn if you sunbathe. Activities like long car trips, gardening and playing sport outdoors also expose you to the sun. You can also burn when the sun is behind the clouds on a sunny day.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, which burns your skin, is most intense:
- in the middle of the day between April and September
- at high altitudes, such as on skiing holidays
- the closer you are to the equator, such as in parts of Africa
Follow these guidelines to stay safe:
- stay in the shade when the sun is at its strongest (between 11am and 3pm)
- keep babies and young children out of the sun, use a high-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF15) and dress them in loose clothing to protect their delicate skin
- cover up with clothes, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
- use a high-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF15) and reapply it regularly, particularly after swimming
- avoid using sunlamps or sunbeds because they give out UV rays
See the Live Well section about protecting your skin in the sun for more information and advice.
