May marks Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a good moment to pause and pay a little more attention to your skin. Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK, and most cases are linked to sun exposure that builds up over the years. The good news is that it is often very treatable when it is found early, and knowing what to look for makes a real difference.
This guide covers the warning signs to look out for, who is most at risk and how to protect your skin from the sun. Please note that Dr Ed Robinson Clinics does not offer mole checks, skin cancer screening, or the diagnosis or treatment of skin cancer. If you are worried about a mole or a patch of skin, the right first step is your GP, who can refer you to a dermatologist if needed.
Why is skin cancer becoming more common in the UK?
Rates of skin cancer in the UK continue to rise. Much of this is linked to cumulative sun exposure over time rather than a single episode of sunburn, along with sunbed use and holidays in strong sunshine.
Many people assume that sun damage only matters after a holiday abroad. In reality, everyday exposure in the UK adds up too, especially on the face, neck, ears, scalp and hands.
There are three main types of skin cancer, and each behaves slightly differently:
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type. It tends to grow slowly and very rarely spreads to other parts of the body, but if left untreated it can keep growing and damage the surrounding skin, particularly on the face.
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) usually grows faster than BCC and is more likely to spread if it is not treated early. It often appears on sun-exposed areas such as the scalp, ears, lips and hands.
- Melanoma is less common but the most serious type. It can develop from an existing mole or appear as a new mark on the skin, and it is more likely to spread if it is not found early.
When skin cancer is picked up early, treatment is often simpler and outcomes are much better. That is why getting to know your own skin, and having any changes looked at promptly by your GP, matters so much.
Who is more at risk?
Anyone can develop skin cancer, but your risk is higher if you:
- Have fair skin that burns easily, light-coloured eyes, or red or fair hair
- Have lots of moles, or moles that are large or unusual in shape or colour
- Have had sunburn in the past, especially blistering sunburn as a child
- Have used sunbeds
- Spend a lot of time outdoors, for work or leisure
- Have a close family member who has had skin cancer, or have had skin cancer yourself
- Have a weakened immune system, for example after an organ transplant or because of certain medicines
If any of these apply to you, it is especially worth checking your skin regularly and asking your GP for advice.
What are the warning signs of skin cancer?
Not every change is serious, but there are clear signs that should never be ignored. A simple way to remember what to look for in a mole is ABCDE:
- A for Asymmetry: the two halves of the mole look different from each other
- B for Border: the edges are uneven, ragged or blurred
- C for Colour: the mole has more than one colour, or uneven shades of brown, black, red, pink or blue
- D for Diameter: it is larger than about 6mm across, roughly the width of a pencil
- E for Evolving: it is changing in size, shape, colour or height
Other signs to look out for include:
- A mole or mark that bleeds, crusts, itches or becomes painful
- A new mark on your skin that looks different from your other moles
- A sore or spot that does not heal within about four weeks
- A shiny, pearly or pink lump
- A rough, scaly or crusted patch that does not go away
If a mole changes, bleeds, or a new mark or lesion appears, please see your GP promptly. Do not wait to see whether it settles on its own. If you cannot get a GP appointment, NHS 111 can advise you on what to do next.
How to check your skin at home
Checking your skin once a month is a good habit. Choose a well-lit room, use a full-length mirror and a hand mirror, and ask someone you trust to help with your back and scalp. Remember areas that are easy to miss, such as the soles of your feet, between your toes, behind your ears and under your nails.
Taking clear photos of any moles you are keeping an eye on can help you spot changes over time. If you notice anything new or different, your GP is the right person to see. They can examine it and, if needed, refer you to a dermatologist, who may use dermoscopy (a magnified, illuminated view of the skin) to look more closely.
How can you protect your skin from the sun?
Sun safety advice is often repeated, but in practice many people are still caught out. For effective protection:
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, with a UVA rating of at least 4 stars, every day
- Apply it generously and reapply every two hours when outdoors, and straight after swimming, sweating or towelling dry
- Spend time in the shade when the sun is strongest, usually between 11am and 3pm in the UK summer
- Cover up with clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with good UV protection
- Avoid sunbeds entirely
- Take extra care near water, sand and snow, which reflect UV light
- Take particular care to protect babies and children, whose skin burns easily
We often see people who rely on the SPF in their make-up alone. This is rarely enough on its own, because most of us apply far less make-up than the amount needed to reach the SPF on the label.
Can aesthetic treatments help with sun-damaged skin?
Aesthetic treatments do not treat or prevent skin cancer, and any mark that could be suspicious should always be seen by your GP or a dermatologist first. However, once your skin has been checked, some treatments can improve the visible effects of sun exposure, such as pigmentation, uneven tone and fine lines.
At Dr Ed Robinson Clinics, Dr Ed Robinson can treat some pre-cancerous lesions, such as actinic keratoses (rough, scaly patches caused by sun damage), with cryotherapy after assessing them. Anything that looks suspicious is not treated in clinic; we will advise you to see your GP or a dermatologist.
Laser skin rejuvenation
Light-based treatments such as BBL® HEROic™ are commonly used to target sun spots, redness and uneven tone. BBL® uses broad-spectrum light to gently heat the upper layers of the skin, helping to fade pigmentation, calm redness and stimulate collagen over time.
Medical-grade skincare
Medical-grade skincare helps to repair, protect and maintain sun-damaged skin. A simple routine tailored to your skin, built around daily SPF, often works better than layering lots of active products without guidance.
Microneedling
Microneedling can improve texture and fine lines from sun damage by encouraging the skin’s natural healing response and collagen production.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I check my skin?
Once a month is a good routine. If you have lots of moles, a history of sunburn or a family history of skin cancer, ask your GP whether you need more regular checks.
Is skin cancer always caused by sun exposure?
Sun exposure and sunbeds are the main causes, but your skin type, genetics, number of moles and immune system also play a part.
Are all changes in moles cancerous?
No. Many changes are harmless, but it is always important to have them looked at by your GP so that anything serious can be ruled out.
Does sunscreen completely prevent skin cancer?
Sunscreen greatly reduces your risk, but it does not remove it completely. Use it alongside shade, clothing and a hat for the best protection.
Does Dr Ed Robinson Clinics check moles?
No. We do not offer mole checks, skin cancer screening, or the diagnosis or treatment of skin cancer. If you are worried about a mole or a mark on your skin, please see your GP, who can refer you to a dermatologist if needed.
Can aesthetic treatments remove skin cancer?
No. Aesthetic treatments improve skin quality but are not used to treat skin cancer. Suspicious marks must always be assessed by your GP or a dermatologist.
Taking a proactive approach to your skin health
Looking after your skin is not about worrying over every small change. It is about knowing your skin, protecting it from the sun and acting quickly when something does not look right. Skin cancer is far more manageable when it is found early.
If you have noticed a change in a mole, a new mark, or anything on your skin you are unsure about, please book an appointment with your GP or see a dermatologist. Do not wait, and do not feel you are wasting anyone’s time. Even when the answer is reassuring, it is always worth getting it checked.