06-05-2025
Skin expert shares why everyone should look out for ‘ugly duckling' moles
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and a dermatologist has shared some tips on how to spot the disease early.
Rates of malignant melanoma in the UK have risen faster than any of the other most common cancers in the last 30 years. And as May is Skin Cancer Awareness month, it's more important than ever to start discussions on the symptoms and early signs of melanoma.
With this in mind, Dr Sweta Rai, a Doctify -rated consultant dermatologist and dermatological surgeon, has shared expert insight into the risk factors for skin cancer, offering advice on how to check your moles.
The skin expert also put people on alert for an 'ugly duckling' mole and what to do if you discover a potentially dangerous growth. Dr Rai said: "The skin is the largest and most visible organ of the body.
"Often, any changes or new moles will be overtly visible, unlike cancer of an internal organ. This means that if more people know what to look for, we should be able to detect more melanomas at an early stage.
Here is Dr Rai's advice on the risks of skin cancer and how to spot it early.
The main risk factors for skin cancer
Dr Rai shared that there are seven main risk factors for skin cancer. These are:
Skin type
Sunburn
Outdoor hobbies and occupation
Tanning bed use
Family history of melanoma
Lots of moles
Immunosuppression
The ABCDE method of checking moles
The dermatologist explained that moles are brown coloured blemishes of the skin. They can appear flat or raised, and are sometimes skin coloured or pink.
Most of us have at least half a dozen moles, though some people can have many more. The acronym ABCDE can be helpful in evaluating moles, said the expert.
The ABCDE of moles is:
Asymmetry: one half of the mole is different to the other
Border: irregular, scalloped or poorly-defined edge
Colour: uneven colour or variable colours within a mole
Diameter: the mole is bigger than 6mm in size
Evolving: the mole is changing in its size, shape or colour
Dr Rai explained: 'If a mole shows any of these features, it warrants review by a GP or dermatologist to exclude melanoma.
"Other signs to look out for include any new moles, a mole that looks significantly different to the others [known as the ugly duckling sign], or any skin lesion that bleeds or fails to heal. However, changing moles do not always represent skin cancer and most moles are usually harmless.
"It can be normal for moles to change in number and appearance; some can also disappear over time. Hormonal changes during puberty and pregnancy can cause moles to increase in number and become darker."
If you think you have spotted an 'ugly duckling' mole on your body, as with any of the ABCDE risk factors, you should speak to your GP and get it checked out.
When and how to check your moles
The dermatologist said the ideal time to check your moles is "probably after a bath or shower" and it should be carried out "in a well-lit room with the aid of a full-length mirror".
Dr Rai continued: "Look closely at your entire body including the scalp, buttocks and genitalia, palms and soles including the spaces between the fingers and toes. Use the ABCDE rules above and see your doctor about any concerns."
Having a skin check buddy, which is a friend or family member who can check your moles as you check theirs, can help you to spot moles or blemishes in areas where it's difficult for you to see.
Dr Rai concluded: 'The main message I'd like to give this Skin Cancer Awareness Month is to keep looking at your skin once a month and come to see a specialist in skin cancer once a year to examine your skin."
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