Now that we are approaching summer and booking beach holidays, the possible negative effects of sunbathing come to mind. Of course we all want a tan, and can achieve it safely, but those with moles should keep an eye on them.
Skin cancer has the fastest growing incidence rate than any other cancer in the UK. It is thought that our grey weather, our craving to tan and the ease of access to foreign beaches contributes to more than 9,000 people developing malignant melanoma each year.
Firstly we should look into what a mole actually is. The name can be used to describe any spot on the skin, whether pigmented or skin colour, raised or flat. Most people develop their moles before they reach 20 but it is not unusual to get new moles at later years. Almost all moles are benign (non-cancerous), however a few can change over time and can become malignant (cancerous).
Things to look out for: change in size or colour, if it itches, is painful or bleeds, if new nodules appear around the mole or if it looks red and inflamed. If you notice any of these symptoms you should visit your doctor to have it examined.
Some people are more likely to develop malignant moles, including those who have already had a malignant melanoma, have a family history of malignant moles, those who have fair skin and hair or redheads, those with many moles and those who have had high sun exposure especially if they were burnt when young.
This post wasn’t written to scare you into living in the shade. We need sun exposure as it provides the all important Vitamin D. This post was written as a reminder to be safe, and if you notice any changes pop along to your doctor to check it out.
Safe tanning everyone!
(Source: Health4Media)
