Skin Cancer Awareness Month 2025: Spotting suspicious moles

May marks Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a vital time to shine a spotlight on the UK’s most common form of cancer: skin cancer. While many of us associate sunburn with short-term discomfort, repeated sun damage can have long-lasting consequences, including the development of malignant moles. Early detection of skin cancer—especially melanoma—can be lifesaving, which is why it’s crucial to know what to look out for.

Skin cancer in the UK: a growing concern

According to the latest data from Cancer Research UK, around 16,700 people are diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer each year. Rates have more than doubled since the early 1990s, and while treatment outcomes have improved, early detection remains critical. The majority of cases are linked to overexposure to UV rays, whether from natural sunlight or sunbeds.

When to worry: the ABCDEs of moles

Moles are usually harmless clusters of pigment cells, but changes in their appearance can signal a risk of melanoma. To help identify suspicious moles, dermatologists recommend following the ABCDE rule:

A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other.

B – Border: Edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred.

C – Colour: The colour isn’t uniform and may include different shades of brown, black, pink, or even white.

D – Diameter: The mole is larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser), although melanomas can be smaller.

E – Evolving: Any change in size, shape, colour, or symptoms such as itching or bleeding.

Besides the ABCDE criteria, other signs to be aware of include:

• A new mole that looks different from your other moles (‘ugly duckling’ sign).
• A mole that itches, bleeds, or becomes crusty.
• A sore that doesn’t heal within a few weeks.

If you notice any of these changes, consult your GP as soon as possible. It might be nothing, but early action could prevent a serious outcome. They can refer you to a plastic surgeon that specialises in skin lesion removal.

This Skin Cancer Awareness Month 2025, commit to taking your skin health seriously. The earlier a suspicious mole is detected, the better the chances of successful treatment. With skin cancer rates on the rise in the UK, staying informed and proactive is more important than ever.