The recent hot weather has had us shedding layers and enjoying the sunshine more than ever. But while we’re far more informed about shielding our skin from harmful UV rays than previous generations, every year 16,700 new melanoma cases are diagnosed in the UK alone, making it the fifth most common cancer.
After more than 20 years in the music industry, Atomic Kitten’s Natasha Hamilton is now a trained skincare specialist and even spotted the tell-tale sign of skin cancer on her mum. Here, she tells OK! how to spot the early signs, from new moles to changing appearances of existing ones…
Natasha's five tips for mole monitoring
1. Make checking your skin part of your regular self-care routine. Look for moles when you’re applying moisturiser or body lotion, especially on your forearms and the back of your arms.
2. If there’s a mole you’re concerned about, take a picture on your phone, then create a file to refer back to so you can check if it’s changing.
3. Measure the mole with a ruler and keep a record of this – any increase in size is important.
4. When you brush your hair, feel the top of your head for tender spots, especially on your parting, where your skin is more likely to have burnt over the years.
5. If you can’t see a mole easily, ask a partner, friend or child to look for you and take photos on your phone.
Spell it out!
Follow the simple ABCDE rule to check if your mole needs further investigation.
Natasha says: “Early detection is vital. Basal cell carcinomas can be on the skin for years before they progress, so even if you’ve had a mark for some time, get it checked. Visit melanomauk.org.uk for checklists and reference pictures.”
A: Is it asymmetric and/or uneven, and has it changed shape?
B: Does it have uneven borders, is it raised, rough and losing that circular look?
C: Does it contain different colours, or has it changed from brown to black?
D: Is it larger than 6mm in diameter; did it start tiny and is it getting bigger?
E: Is there evolution in the growth; is it spreading, changing shape, changing how it looks and feels?
Natasha is an ambassador for Melanoma UK, promoting awareness and supporting the charity’s National Mole Hunt campaign.
If you become concerned by the appearance of a mole, please contact your GP.
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