With the hot weather returning to Edinburgh, it's important to remember to use SPF to avoid sun damage of the skin.
Over-exposing our skin to UV rays increases the risk of skin cancer. As the heatwave hits the capital and extreme heat warnings are in place around the UK, Cancer Research has issued an urgent warning over skin cancer risk.
The warning urges men in the UK to take particular care of their skin during the heatwave, as research estimates that six men a day - 1,400 a year - die due to melanoma skin cancer. Typically the cancer can develop where skin has been exposed to sunlight, including the scalp, face, lips, ears, neck, chest, arms and hands, as well as legs.
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If you notice a change to a mole, freckle or a normal patch of skin, you should see your GP. Some melanomas develop from existing moles. The rest grow on what was previously normal skin. So if you notice a new abnormal mole or one that seems to be growing quickly or changing, show it to your doctor.
Medics also point out that although melanoma can be found anywhere in the body, they are more common in certain parts of the body. Melanomas in men are most common on the back. In women, the most common site is the legs.
When checking moles, health experts advice following the ABCDE method to check any changes that are not normal for you. Cancer Research add that it is important to know what your skin looks like normally so you can tell if anything changes. You can use a mirror or ask a friend to help you.
The ABCDE method is below as stated by Cancer Research.
Asymmetrical
Normal moles usually have a more even shape and the two halves are similar (symmetrical) where as melanomas are likely to have an uneven shape. The two halves of the area may be different shapes (asymmetrical).
Border
Melanomas are more likely to have irregular edges (border) that might be blurred or jagged while normal moles usually have a smooth, regular border.
Colour
Normal moles usually have an even colour. Melanomas are often an uneven colour and contain more than one shade.
The melanoma might have different shades of black, brown and pink.
Diameter
Check the width of the moles. Most melanomas are more than 6mm wide and regular moles are usually about the size of the end of a pencil or smaller.
Evolving
If something evolves, it's changed. Melanomas might change in size, shape or colour and regular moles often stay the same size, shape, and colour.
If you might notice other changes such as a mole bleeding, itching or becoming crusty, get them checked out by a GP.
Signs of melanoma includes:
- Large brownish spot with darker speckles
- Mole that might change in colour, size or sensation, or bleeds
- Small lesion with irregular border and portions that appear red, pink, white, blue or blue-black
- Painful lesion which itches or burns
- Dark lesions on your palms, soles, fingertips or toes, or on mucous membranes lining your mouth, nose, vagina or anus
Chief executive of Cancer Research Michelle Mitchell warned: "We all need to take steps to protect ourselves from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Getting sunburnt just once every two years can triple your risk of skin cancer."
She added: "And if you notice any unusual changes to a patch of skin or nail, don’t put off telling your doctor. In most cases it’s not cancer, but if it is, an early diagnosis can make all the difference.”
The earlier a melanoma is picked up, the easier it is to treat and the more likely treatment is to be successful. So go to your GP as soon as possible.
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