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METERElanoma skin cancer rates are expected to hit a record high in the UK this summer, with experts issuing a warning to sun worshipers.
Rates of cancer, which is usually caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun or tanning beds, have increased by almost a third in a decade.
And with the summer holidays quickly approaching, research suggests that 20,800 cases of the disease could be expected this year.
The figures, revealed by the charity Cancer Research UK, have sparked calls for people to use high factor sunscreen, spend time in the shade and cover up rather than risk sunburn.
It has also sparked a new warning about the dangers of using a sun lounger to tan before going on holiday.
Melanoma often starts as a new mole or a change in an existing mole.
Here, MailOnline reveals the simple ABCDE checklist doctors use to detect melanoma…
A – asymmetric
This refers to the symmetry of your mole.
Looking for moles with an uneven or irregular shape may help you spot an early sign of melanoma.
This is because, unlike normal moles, which are usually round with smooth edges, melanomas are not usually symmetrical.
They can have two halves of different shapes and uneven edges, according to the NHS.
If a mole stands out and looks different to other moles, it is recommended that you get it checked by your GP.
B – edge
This refers to the shape of the edges of your mole.
Melanomas are also more likely to have irregular borders or to have blurry or irregular borders, says Cancer Research UK.
For comparison, Macmillan says that common moles “typically have a clear, soft-edged edge.”
They can appear anywhere on the body.
In men, melanomas are most commonly found on the back and in women the most common site is the legs, the charity says.
C-color
This refers to the color of your mole.
A mole with different shades and colors could be a melanoma.
Melanomas can be different shades, from a mix of brown and black to red, pink, white or even a blue tint, says Macmillan.
However, normal moles usually have only brown tones.
Some people with pale skin or light hair develop melanomas that are red and pink, but not brown, says Macmillan.
The charity adds that this is called amelanotic melanoma and is rare compared to other types of melanoma.
D – diameter
This refers to the size of your mole and its width.
Moles are usually only the size of a pencil tip or smaller. But if you spot a mole larger than 6mm wide, it could be melanoma.
Macmillan says people with many moles, including some larger than 5mm, are likely to have been there for years without changing.
“It is recommended that people with many moles or larger moles see a dermatologist to have them checked,” the charity states. “This is important if you have had mole changes in the past.”
my – evolving
This refers to how your mole might be evolving and changing.
Most harmless moles stay the same shape over time, but melanomas often grow and change shape and even color.
The change in shape may include the area becoming raised or domed, says Macmillan. If the mole is flat, it may stay that way but become wider, he adds.
It’s not just the size and shape to consider: melanomas can also swell and hurt.
This can cause them to feel itchy or tingly, bleed and also look like scabs, the NHS warns.
Some melanomas develop from existing moles and grow on what was previously normal skin, says Cancer Research UK.
Therefore, it is important to be aware of changes and if any “normal mole” itches, swells or begins to become irritated.
But the earlier melanoma is detected, the easier it will be to treat, so it’s important to see your GP as soon as possible if you have these skin changes, warns Cancer Research UK.
