Skin cancer self check guidance

Overview

A skin cancer self-check is a way to examine your own skin to spot any new or changing moles, spots, or growths that could be a sign of skin cancer. It helps you notice changes early.

Yes, skin cancer is very common. In the UK, about 1 in 5 people will develop some form of skin cancer during their lifetime.

Anyone can get skin cancer, regardless of skin colour. People with fair skin, lots of moles, a history of sunburn, or a family history of skin cancer have a higher risk.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A new mole or spot that looks different from your other moles.
• A mole that changes shape, size, or colour over time.
• A sore that doesn't heal within a few weeks.
• A spot that becomes itchy, tender, or bleeds.

Symptoms in children

• Skin cancer is rare in children, but any new or changing mole should be checked.
• Look for moles that are asymmetrical or have irregular borders.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may have more sun damage over a lifetime, so it's important to check for new spots or changes in existing moles.
• Look for scaly patches or sores that don't heal.

Causes

Main causes

• Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds.
• Genetic factors that make some people more prone to skin cancer.

Risk factors

• Fair skin that burns easily.
• A large number of moles or atypical moles.
• A history of sunburn, especially blistering sunburns in childhood.
• Family history of skin cancer.
• Weakened immune system due to medications or illness.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you spot a new or changing mole that looks suspicious (asymmetrical, irregular border, multiple colours, large diameter).
• If you have a sore that doesn't heal after a few weeks.

Book a routine appointment if:

• As part of your regular health checks, ask your doctor to examine your skin.
• If you have any concerns about a spot, book an appointment with your GP or a dermatologist.

Diagnosis

A doctor or dermatologist will examine your skin with a special magnifying tool called a dermatoscope. If they see a suspicious spot, they may remove it (biopsy) to test for cancer cells.

Tests that may be done

• Visual skin exam with a dermatoscope.
• Skin biopsy (removing a small piece of the spot for laboratory testing).

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will ask about your medical history and check your skin. If a biopsy is needed, it is a quick procedure done with local anaesthetic. You will get results in a week or two.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type and stage of skin cancer. Most early skin cancers are treated with surgery to remove the spot. Other treatments may include creams, freezing, or light therapy.

Self-care at home

• Protect your skin from the sun with SPF30 or higher sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing.
• Check your skin regularly, once a month, using a full-length mirror or ask a partner to help.
• Keep an eye on any moles using photos to track changes.

Medical treatments

If skin cancer is found, your doctor will discuss options. These may include surgical removal, topical creams (applied to the skin), cryotherapy (freezing), or photodynamic therapy (using light to destroy cancer cells). For more advanced cases, radiotherapy or immunotherapy may be considered.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is the most common treatment for early-stage skin cancer. It involves cutting out the cancerous spot along with a small margin of healthy skin.

Living with this condition

After treatment, you will have regular follow-ups to check for recurrence. Protect your skin from the sun and keep up with self-exams.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid sunbeds and unnecessary sun exposure.
• Wear sunscreen daily, even in cloudy weather.
• Wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.

Diet and exercise

A healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables may support your immune system. Exercise is beneficial for overall health, but be mindful of sun exposure during peak hours.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A skin cancer diagnosis can be worrying. It's normal to feel anxious. Talk to your doctor, friends, or a support group. Remember that most skin cancers are treatable.

Prevention

Many skin cancers can be prevented by protecting your skin from UV radiation. Avoid sunburns, use sunscreen, and wear protective clothing. Check your skin regularly.

Screening programmes

There is no formal national screening programme for skin cancer in the UK, but regular self-checks and professional skin exams by a doctor are recommended, especially if you have higher risk.

Complications

If left untreated

• If skin cancer is not treated, it can grow deeper and spread to other parts of the body, making it harder to treat.
• Some skin cancers, like melanoma, can be life-threatening if not caught early.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for skin cancer is very good when caught early. Most cases are cured with simple treatments. Regular checks and sun protection help keep your skin healthy.

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