Noticed a Mole Looking Different? Here’s Why It’s Worth Getting Checked…
Summer means more time outdoors, more sun on your skin, and if you’re paying attention, a good chance to notice if anything’s changed. That mole you’ve had for years, the freckle that seems a bit darker, the spot you can’t remember being there before… most of the time it’s nothing. But “most of the time” isn’t “always,” and catching skin cancer early makes a real difference.
The good news is you don’t need to be a dermatologist to know what to look for. You just need to know your own skin, and know the signs that mean it’s time to get something checked.
Why Summer Is a Great Time to Check
Sun exposure is one of the biggest risk factors for skin cancer, and summer is when we’re most exposed. Whether you’re spending more time at the beach, in the garden, or going on summer holidays, we’re all generally spending more time outdoors! A quick check takes just a couple of minutes…
The ‘ABCDE’ Rule (Know What to Look For!)
Dermatologists use a simple checklist to tell a normal mole from one that needs a closer look. Run through it next time you’re getting changed or applying sunscreen:
A: Asymmetry
Does one half of the mole look different from the other? Normal moles are usually symmetrical, so an uneven shape is worth noting.
B: Border
Are the edges smooth and well-defined, or ragged, blurred, and irregular? Uneven borders can be a warning sign.
C: Colour
Is the mole one consistent shade, or does it have a mix of colours, such as brown, black, red, white, or blue? Variation in colour within a single mole is something to flag.
D: Diameter
Is it larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)? Larger moles aren’t automatically a problem, but size is one piece of the puzzle.
E: Evolving
Has it changed in size, shape, colour, or texture over recent weeks or months? Has it started itching, bleeding, or scabbing? Change over time is often the most important sign of all.
If a mole ticks one or more of these boxes, it doesn’t mean it’s cancerous, but it does mean it’s worth getting a professional opinion rather than waiting and watching.
What Counts as “Worth Getting Checked”
Beyond the ABCDE rule, get a mole or skin lesion looked at if it:
- Appears suddenly and wasn’t there before
- Looks noticeably different from your other moles (the “ugly duckling” sign)
- Becomes itchy, painful, or tender
- Starts bleeding, oozing, or crusting without an obvious cause
- Simply feels wrong to you, trust your instinct here
You know your skin better than anyone else does. If something feels off, that’s reason enough to have it checked.
What now?!
Once you’ve had a good look and run through the ABCDE checklist, there are two places you might land. If everything looks as it should, that’s great news. Just keep checking in on your skin regularly, especially through the summer months, so you’ll notice quickly if anything changes.
If you’ve spotted a mole or mark that looks a little different, or you’re simply not sure, the good news is getting it checked couldn’t be easier. Our mole scanning service is quick, painless, and non-invasive, and you’ll be seen by one of our trained professionals at Island Pharmacy
We’ve partnered with ScreenCancer
Island Pharmacy’s mole scanning service is delivered in partnership with ScreenCancer, the UK’s leading mole screening specialists. Every image is reviewed by ScreenCancer’s consultant dermatologists, so you get a genuine specialist opinion, right here in Jersey, without needing a GP referral first,
Mole Scanning at Island Pharmacy
- £60.00 for your first mole, £25.00 for each additional mole
- 20-minute appointments, Monday to Saturday, 9am to 1pm
- At Island Pharmacy, Gloucester Street
- Reviewed by ScreenCancer’s consultant dermatologists
- No referral needed