Skin cancer can begin subtly — as a small spot, mole, or patch that seems harmless. This guide explains the early warning signs, how to monitor your skin, and what preventative steps you can take so you stay safe and detect problems early.
Table of Contents:
- What Is Skin Cancer & Why Early Detection Matters
- Early Warning Signs to Watch For
- How to Do a Regular Skin Self-Check
- Who Is at Higher Risk
- Prevention: Sun Safety & Lifestyle Habits
- When to See a Dermatologist
- FAQs
- Conclusion
What Is Skin Cancer & Why Early Detection Matters
Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of skin cells, often triggered by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sun exposure or tanning.
There are several common types — including Basal cell carcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma, and Melanoma.
Early detection dramatically improves outcomes: when identified at an early stage, skin cancer is often highly treatable and the risk of serious spread is much lower.
That’s why regular skin checks and awareness of early signs are essential — for everyone, regardless of age or skin tone.
Early Warning Signs to Watch For
Watch your skin for any of the following — they could be early indicators of skin cancer:
- New growths, bumps or spots — especially those that look different from your other moles.
- Changes in existing moles or freckles:
- Shape becomes uneven or asymmetric
- Border becomes irregular, notched or blurred
- Colour becomes uneven — shades of tan, brown, black, red, white or mixed colours
- Diameter grows — especially over 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)
- Evolving: any change in size, shape, colour or texture over weeks/months
- Shape becomes uneven or asymmetric
- Sores or lesions that don’t heal — a sore that heals slowly or repeatedly re-opens.
- Rough or scaly patches, crusting, or persistent redness/itching — especially if they don’t improve with regular skincare.
- Itching, tenderness or bleeding in or around a mole or spot — even without visible change, these symptoms warrant attention.
Remember: Skin cancer can develop anywhere — not just on areas exposed to sun. This includes scalp (check under hair), soles of feet, between toes, under nails, and genitals.
How to Do a Regular Skin Self-Check
Performing monthly self-examinations helps you detect changes early. Here’s how:
- Use a full-length mirror + hand mirror (or ask someone) to check all parts of your body: front, back, sides, scalp, between toes, soles, under nails, genitals, etc.
- Take note of existing moles, freckles, or spots — consider photographing them periodically to track any changes.
- Use the “ABCDE Rule” for spots:
A = Asymmetry (one half differs from the other)
B = Border irregularity (ragged, blurred, notched)
C = Colour variation (uneven, multiple colours)
D = Diameter over 6 mm
E = Evolving — any change in size, shape, colour, or sensation
4. If you find anything new or changing — a mole, bump, sore — don’t wait. Book a consultation with a dermatologist.
Who Is at Higher Risk
You should be especially vigilant if you have one or more of these risk factors:
- Fair skin, light eyes or hair
- History of repeated sunburns or extensive sun exposure
- Use of tanning beds or frequent UV exposure
- Many moles, freckles or irregular birthmarks
- Family history of skin cancer
- Older age or weakened immune system
Even if you don’t check all boxes, anyone can develop skin cancer. Early detection is a universal safeguard.
Prevention: Sun Safety & Lifestyle Habits
Reducing UV exposure is the single most effective way to lower skin cancer risk. Dermatology experts recommend:
- Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) daily, every time you go outside — even on cloudy days. Reapply every 2 hours or after swimming/sweating.
- Wear sun-protective clothing — long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses. Fabrics with UPF rating offer better protection.
- Avoid peak sun hours (usually 10 AM–4 PM). Seek shade when the UV index is high.
- Never use tanning beds — artificial UV radiation significantly increases skin cancer risk.
- Stay alert even on cloudy or winter days — UV rays can still harm your skin.
Maintain overall skin care: hydrate, avoid harsh chemicals, treat sun damage early, protect lips and eyes, and limit UV exposure.
When to See a Dermatologist
Schedule a professional skin check if:
- You notice a new mole, bump, or sore that doesn’t go away
- An existing mole changes shape, colour, size, or bleeds
- You have persistent sores, scaly patches, or itching that doesn’t resolve
- You have multiple risk factors (fair skin, many moles, frequent sun exposure)
- A family history of skin cancer or prior skin cancer
Early clinical examination, and biopsy when needed, can catch precancerous changes — when treatment is simplest and most effective.
FAQs — Early Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention
Q1: How often should I check my skin for cancer?
A. Once a month — monthly self-exams help you track any new or changing spots early.
Q2: Can skin cancer appear on parts of my body that don’t get sun exposure?
A. Yes — skin cancer can develop even on areas with little or no sun exposure, such as under nails, soles, genitals, or scalp.
Q3: Does only fair-skinned people get skin cancer?
A. No — while fair skin increases risk, skin cancer can affect anyone, regardless of skin tone. That’s why regular checks matter for everyone.
Q4: Is tanning safe if I use sunscreen?
A. No. Tanning — from the sun or tanning beds — injures the skin and increases cumulative UV damage, raising skin cancer risk even with sunscreen.
Q5: What is the “ABCDE” rule?
A. It’s a simple method to assess moles for melanoma risk:
- A for Asymmetry
- B for Border irregularity
- C for Colour variation
- D for Diameter > 6 mm
- E for Evolving (change over time)
If a mole meets any of these, see a dermatologist immediately.
Conclusion
Being aware of early signs — new growths, changing moles, persistent sores, itching, or non-healing patches — and practising sun-safe habits can make a major difference. Most skin cancers are treatable when caught early.
At London Dermatology Clinics, we offer full skin-check consultations and specialist assessments. If you notice any suspicious changes or want preventative screening, book a skin exam today — early detection could save your life.
