Check your skin for signs of skin cancer

Keep an eye on your skin

You may have some moles or dark patches on your skin that are flat or slightly raised. Usually these will remain harmless all your life.

But moles or patches of normal skin that change in size, shape or colour over weeks or months in adult life should be shown to your doctor.

Get to know your skin and look out for any changes. When checking your skin use the ABCD rule to help you remember the main warning signs for melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer.

Skin cancer can develop anywhere on the body, but in women, melanoma is most common on the legs, and in men it is most common on the trunk. So use a mirror or ask your partner to look at those hard-to-see places.

Also remember to look out for other changes that might indicate less serious non-melanoma skin cancer.

Check your moles

If you notice any of the following signs, then see your doctor without delay.

Asymmetry The two halves of your mole do not look the same.

Border The edges of your mole are irregular, blurred or jagged.

Colour The colour of your mole is uneven, with more than one shade.

Diameter Your mole is wider than 6mm in diameter (the size of a pencil eraser).

a new growth or sore that won't heal
a spot, mole or sore that itches or hurts
a mole or growth that bleeds, crusts or scabs

If you are concerned about skin changes then visit your doctor without delay.

Any change in a mole, freckle or normal patch of skin that occurs quickly, over weeks or months, should be taken seriously.

On our SunSmart microsite you can watch videos of people who’ve been diagnosed with melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, and whose treatment has been a success.