Spot the signs of killer moles

SUMMER is over but we still need to be checking our skin and moles, a top doc has warned.

GP and cosmetic specialist Ross Perry claims we neglect our skin as temperatures drop and we pile on the layers.

But it is crucial to keep an eye on moles and freckles all year round. Although most are harmless, some can develop into a form of skin cancer called malignant melanoma.

Dr Perry, 47, said: “The rates of skin cancer are ever increasing and have doubled in the last 20 years.

“We need to be vigilant all the time as this is not just a summer illness or condition, it can occur at any time of the year.

“It’s not that they are more prevalent in the summer, we’re just more aware of them when everyone is in shorts, T-shirts or bikinis.”

There are around 15,400 new melanoma skin cancer cases in the UK every year.

And with 42 cases diagnosed every day, melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the country according to Cancer Research.

The first sign is often a new mole or a change in the appearance of an existing mole.

Normal moles are usually round or oval, with a smooth edge and up to 6mm in diameter. But if you notice one changing shape, size or colour, particularly getting darker, you should visit your GP immediately.

Changes to freckles or particular patches of your skin should also trigger a visit to your GP.

“Check every two months when you get out of the shower, or get a partner to check for you,” said Dr Perry. “Inspect the backs of your legs, inner thighs, your bottom, back of your arms and the soles of your feet.

“It only takes a minute or two but you need to look everywhere because skin cancer is indiscriminate.

“Melanoma can occur at any time in your life, to anyone, and the aggressive black moles are more likely to appear in sunexposed sites but can occur anywhere on your body.”

Once a doctor has examined your mole, they send their patients to a dermatologist if they are concerned.

But Dr Perry, who runs skin clinic chain Cosmedics, stressed it is important to keep an eye on moles and revisit your doctor if there are any changes, even if they have checked it before. “It’s not a case of black or white,” he said. “You might get reassured once but if six months later it’s doubled in size and is twice as black, you need to go back and speak to your GP.

“We have a sixth sense of knowing when something is abnormal or not, and if it continues to be a worry get another appointment.”

There is no simple way to stop skin cancer developing.

People can only take basic precautions such as wearing sun block and stopping skin from burning in hot weather.

Dr Perry also recommended trying out some of the apps that help you keep track of your changing moles, such as Miiskin and Skin Vision.

He said: “The only option is to keep an eye on your moles and report them if you’re worried.

“People might be complacent with an ‘it won’t happen to me’ attitude, or they think they tan well so it won’t affect them. But that’s rubbish.

“Don’t try to get a cheeky tan – it’s just not worth getting burned for.”

“Awareness over the last decade has improved massively but we can always do better.

“Survival rates are also getting better and that is one of the reasons it’s important to catch them early.”

THE NHS says to watch out for these signs with moles. Get them checked out if they are: Getting bigger Changing shape Changing colour, particularly becoming darker Bleeding or becoming crusty Becoming itchy or sore