Skin cancer awareness: keep your moles safe

Ewan McGregor has recently had two moles removed from his face, as his doctor was worried they could have caused cancer.

Moles can be pretty odd-looking things, so how do you know when one's 'gone bad' and how do you stop it happening?

We've teamed up with Cancer Research UK to bring you a guide to help protect you against skin cancer, and how to check for the early signs of melanoma.

What are moles?

A mole is a collection of 'pigment' cells under the skin. Pigment cells are what give our skin its colour, which is why a collection of them will appear darker.

Most moles develop after birth and throughout our childhood and 20s. They can appear for no reason or after being out in the sun.

Why can moles be dangerous?

There is a risk that a mole may become melanoma, which is a form of skin cancer. Survival rates for people with melanoma are relatively high with 78% of men and 91% of women being alive five years after diagnoses.

But it's really important melanoma is caught early and the lump removed - this will usually be done under a local anaesthetic by your doctor.

How do I keep my moles safe?

Stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm and make sure you never burn. If you have to go out when it's very sunny, wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and cover up with loose clothes and a hat.

Most importantly, go to your doctor if you have any moles or lumps on the skin you are concerned about.

When should I go to my doctor?

If you have any moles which itch, bleed or hurt or any new lumps or sores on your skin which won't heal, go and see your doctor.

You should regularly check your moles and keep an eye on any of them that appear to be changing shape or size. Specifically, you should be looking for any of your moles that fall into the following four categories.

Click on the description in our A-D guide to melanomas to see a picture of the mole. They may not make for pretty viewing, but it's really important you know what you're looking for...

Where to next?

- Other skin conditions
- Treatment and outlook for skin cancer
- Understanding the skin

By Beth Ivory