Do you regularly check your moles? If not, you’re not alone. I’m Heléna, Clinic Manager at Suffolk Medical & Beauty Clinic. Before joining this incredible team, I’ll admit, I was pretty casual about checking my moles—just a quick glance now and then. But working here has opened my eyes to the importance of skin health. That’s why I’ve teamed up with our resident doctor, Dr. Anthony O’Neill, who has shared his valuable knowledge on maintaining healthy skin and when it’s time to take action.
Introducing the expert
Dr Anthony O’Neill has over 30 years of experience as a GP and takes a particular interest in dermatology. Using his specialist knowledge, Anthony routinely carries out minor cosmetic procedures for the removal of unwanted lumps and bumps, such as skin tags, some moles, cysts, and more.
Is it normal to develop new moles throughout life?
Most moles usually develop in childhood and adolescence, but adults can also develop new moles. Not all moles that appear in adulthood are sinister. For example, benign new moles can emerge during pregnancy, due to hormonal changes. However, if you’re concerned or develop a new mole, it’s always best to speak to your GP or a skin specialist.
Are some people more at risk of developing skin cancer?
Factors that can increase your risk of skin cancer include:
- Pale skin that burns easily (Fitzpatrick skin type 1 and 2)
- Having more than 50 moles on your body
- Personal and/or family history of malignant melanoma
- Having a weakened immune system
- Excessive exposure to sunlight and other forms of radiation
- History of blistering sun burn
Why is it important to check moles?
Most moles are harmless, but occasionally they can turn cancerous. The earlier this is detected, the better. Melanomas are a type of cancerous mole which most people have heard of, but there are others such as basal cell carcinomas (BCC/Rodent Ulcer), and squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). These are much less serious, but still need to be removed.
What should I look out for when checking moles?
Regularly checking your moles is a crucial step in monitoring for potential skin cancer. One of the simplest and most effective ways to examine your moles is by using the ‘ABCDE’ tool as a guide:
A – Asymmetry
B – Borders
C – Colour
D – Diameter
E - Evolving
How do I check my moles?
To make checking your body as easy as possible, be in a well-lit room with a mirror to hand so you can examine any hard-to-reach areas. Take photos of your moles with a ruler or tape measure next to them, so that you can refer back and check for any changes at a later date. In difficult areas like the scalp, back, and the back of the legs, ask someone to help you.
Should I wear sunscreen all year round and what SPF would you recommend?
Ideally, you should wear SPF50 on sun-exposed areas all year round to reduce the chance of sun damage caused by UVA and UVB. Suitable clothing and hats also provide excellent protection. The body naturally produces vitamin D in response to direct sunlight (up to 30 minutes a few times a week is usually sufficient) so if you are completely screening your skin from the sun, consider taking a supplement to ensure you maintain healthy levels of vitamin D throughout the year. Foods that contain vitamin D include: tinned or fresh salmon/tuna/ herring/ sardine, cod liver oil, egg yolk, mushrooms, some fortified food such as cow’s milk, soya milk, breakfast cereals, and orange juice.
