The incidence of skin cancer is increasing, and the majority of cases can be cured if detected early. Mole checks allow early diagnosis of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
The ABCDE rule covers changes that might indicate a melanoma. This can help you to self-examine.
Asymmetry – one half of the mole doesn’t match the other;
Border – the edges may be irregular;
Colour – uneven colour;
Diameter – most melanomas are at least 6mm in diameter;
Evolving – when a mole starts to change. Any change – in size, shape, colour, elevation, or any new symptom such as bleeding, itching or crusting – can be suspicious.
The poorest prognosis is most often that of nodular melanoma, which can escape the ABCDE rule by being symmetrical, with regular borders and homogeneous colour, and often being only about 6mm in size. That is why we recommend combining self-examination with dermatologist visits for melanoma prevention and early detection.