Mole self assessment tool
Could you have a cancerous mole?
Skin cancer is one of the
most common cancers in the UK but the good news is that if the signs and
symptoms are spotted early it's easier to treat.
Use this test to find out whether
you may have a mole that needs to be checked.
QUESTIONS
1.
Do you have a combination of fair skin, blue eyes and fair hair?
Yes (2 points)
No (1 point)
2.
Approximately how many moles do you have?
I have more than 20 (2 points)
I have between 10 and 20 (1 points)
I have just a few (0 points)
I have no moles (0 points)
Did you know?
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.
Remember, some melanomas do
not start in a mole so any new pigmented blemish should be examined.
3.Have you ever been severely
sunburnt, with blistering and pain afterwards?
Yes (2 points)
No, not severely (0 points)
No, never (0 points)
4.Has a close family member ever
had a cancerous mole?
Yes (1 point)
No (0 points)
Don’t know (0 points)
5.Do you have a mole with any of
the following characteristics?
Larger than 4mm diameter or has got bigger (8
points)
Changed colour,
developed different colours or got darker (8 points)
Changed shape or become irregular around the
border (8 points)
Has risen above the skin surface (8 points)
No (0 points)
6.Does your mole bleed, itch,
scale or ulcer?
Yes, I have two or more of these signs (8
points)
Yes, I have one of these signs (3 points)
No, I don't have any of these signs (0
points)
7. Do you have any large, irregular (atypical) moles?
Yes,
I have 6 or more large irregular moles (3 points)
Yes,
I have 1 to 5 moles (2 points)
No,
I have no large irregular moles (0 points)
8.How often do you use sunbeds?
Often,
at least once a week (4 points)
Sometimes,
around once or twice a month (2 points)
Every
2-3 months (2 points)
Rarely,
less than once every six months (1 point)
Never,
but I have in the past (0 points)
Never
(0 points)
RESULTS
0-8 points
Based
on your responses today it's unlikely you have a
cancerous mole.
Skin cancer is becoming more common in this country, which is why it's
important to be aware of your skin and regularly check your moles, both old and
new.
The best prevention against skin cancer is:
Remember, if you have any concerns or your moles
change, tell your GP.
8-12
points
Based on your responses today you should have your moles checked by your GP or health professional.
They will ask you about any recent changes to your mole and when the
changes started. They may also ask you about your family history to see how
likely you are to be at risk of a cancerous mole.
The best prevention against skin cancer is:
12-100
points
Based on your responses today you have a mole that needs to be checked by a GP or health professional, who will give you a proper examination and diagnosis.
They will ask you about any recent changes to your mole and when the changes started. They may also ask you about your family history to find out how likely you are to be at risk of a cancerous mole (malignant melanoma).
The fact that your score is high does not necessarily mean that you have a nasty mole, merely that the mole should be examined.
And remember, the earlier a possible cancerous mole is checked, the easier it is to treat so see your GP as soon as possible.
Real
life: why routine checks are important
NHS
Choices 2011