HEALTH NOTES

MOLES. We all know we need to keep an eye on them, but with so much misinformation floating around on the internet, sometimes it can seem hard to know what you’re looking out for.

Here, Dr Adam Friedmann, a dermatologist at Stratum Clinics (stratumclinics.com), clears up some mole myths...

ARE MORE MOLES LIKELY TO MEAN MORE PROBLEMS?

“THIS is true to a degree,” says Dr Friedmann. “Anything up to 150-250 is normal

– much above this number and the risk of melanoma starts to increase. It’s irregular-looking moles you need to watch out for – and the larger and more irregular looking your moles, the larger the risk of developing melanoma.”

NEW MOLES ARE MORE LIKELY TO BECOME CANCEROUS

DR Friedmann says cancer can develop in both new and old moles. However, it’s advisable to keep an eye out for new ones that suddenly develop, as well as changes in moles you’ve had for a long time.

“About 50% of malignant melanoma will arrive in existing moles, and half will arrive in new moles,” he says.

“The vast majority of moles are benign but some have the potential to turn into melanoma. Any mole that’s changing shape or continues to get bigger needs to be reviewed.”

PEOPLE WITH MORE THAN 11 MOLES ON THEIR RIGHT ARM HAVE A HIGHER RISK OF SKIN CANCER

DR Friedmann says: “This is false, but it could be a good indicator of how many moles are on your entire body. Anything in excess of 250 could increase your risk.”

THE DARKER YOUR SKIN IS, THE MORE PROTECTED YOU ARE

“THIS is right to a degree, as the dark pigment creates a protective barrier between the skin and ultraviolet rays, but you still need protection,” Dr Friedmann stresses. People with dark skin can – and do – get skin cancer.

CHANGES SHOULD BE CHECKED BY A DOCTOR OR DERMATOLOGIST

DR Friedmann puts it best: “Our motto is simple: A change needs a check. Any mole changing in size, shape or colour should be reviewed straight away.”