Be honest – when was the last time you really looked at your moles? Before I joined Suffolk Medical & Beauty Clinic, I didn’t think much about mine either. But since working alongside our brilliant team, especially our in-house skin expert Dr Anthony O’Neill, I’ve learned just how important regular skin checks really are. So, I sat down with him to share his expert advice in a Q&A style on mole monitoring, what to watch out for, and how to stay proactive with your skin health.
meet the expert
With over 30 years of experience as a GP and a special interest in dermatology, Dr Anthony O’Neill brings a wealth of knowledge to our clinic. He regularly performs minor procedures to remove unwanted skin lumps and bumps, including skin tags, cysts, and certain moles. He’s passionate about helping people catch skin issues early, because when it comes to things like skin cancer, early really is better.
Q: Is it normal to get new moles as an adult?
A: “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”.
Q: Who’s Most at Risk for Skin Cancer?
A: “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”
q: Why do Mole Checks Matter?
A: “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”.
q: what should i look out for when checking moles?
A: 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
q: how do i check my moles?
A: “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”.
Q: Should You Wear SPF Year-Round? (Spoiler, Yes!)
A: “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”.
Written by Heléna Moles