Skin Cancer Awareness Month – May 2025

Skin Cancer FoundationMay is the annual ‘Skin Cancer Awareness Month’, organised by the American Skin Cancer Foundation – an annual event designed to raise awareness of skin cancer including how to prevent, detect and treat it. 

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, with an estimated 6.6 million cases in 2021. UV radiation is a primary risk factor for skin cancer, with melanoma being more common in fair-skinned individuals. Having just 5 or more sunburns in your lifetime doubles your risk for melanoma and 90% of non melanoma and 85% of melanoma cases are associated with sun exposure. However, sunburn is quite preventable, so campaigners are reminding people to protect themselves from the adverse effects of sun exposure by using high factor SPF and covering up or avoiding the sun where possible.

What’s more, skin cancer is often treatable when detected early – the 5-year survival rate for melanoma is 99%. That’s why self-checking is so important.

The Big See® Campaign

Skin cancer often goes undetected in the early stages, to this year, Skin Cancer Awareness Month is reminding people to seek attention for any concerns, so that skin cancer can be identified and treated before it has a chance to spread.

Skin cancer is the big C you can SEE.

The message is to check yourself regularly and get to know your skin so that you can spot any new, changing or unusual blemishes and get them checked out for peace of mind.

 

skin cancer awareness month

 

Do the #SkinCheckChallenge™

Skin Cancer Awareness Month

The American Skin Cancer Foundation are promoting the #SkinCheckChallenge for Skin Cancer Awareness Month:

  • First, check your skin from head to toe. Look for anything new, changing or unusual.
  • Post a photo or video of your skin check and share it online with the hashtag #SkinCheckChallenge.
  • Share a “thumbs up” pic or get creative! Tag and tell if you found anything.
  • Finally, invite two friends to do it too.

Key skin cancer tips

1/ Preventing skin cancer

  • Regular daily use of an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen reduces the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma by about 40% and reduces the risk of developing melanoma by 50%. Experts recommend using SPF 50+ every day of the year
  • Seek the shade especially between 11am-3pm
  • Avoid tanning and sunburn
  • Never use UV tanning beds
  • Cover up with clothing, wide-brimmed hat and UV blocking sunglasses
  • Ensure you’ve used plenty of sunscreen and reapply frequently, especially after swimming or when sweating

2/ Detecting skin cancer

  • Vigilance is more important than ever and everyone is encouraged to self-check and be aware of the signs
  • Examine your skin head to toe every month, looking for unusual blemishes, moles or skin lesions. In particular, check for:
    • Asymmetry in the shape of the mole
    • Borders that are uneven or notched
    • Coloration that is unusual in tone or patchy
    • Diameter that is larger than the eraser on a pencil
    • Evolving moles that change colour or size
  • If you have any of the above or moles that behave in odd ways such as oozing/itching/bleeding, then see a GP as soon as possible for assessment. If they agree that your mole needs investigating, you’ll be referred to an NHS specialist for further assessment

3/ Treating skin cancer

  • If your diagnosis points to skin cancer, NHS treatment is provided free of charge
  • Treatment usually starts with removal of the skin cancer(s) and then biopsy/testing to assess them. In many cases, removal of the cancerous lesions resolves the problem and no further treatment is required. In some cases, there may need to be further procedures or treatments.
  • The best outcomes are where the cancers are caught early. That’s why it is important to check the skin regularly and seek attention in case of any concerns

If your mole or lesion is deemed not to be cancerous or of any medical risk, in these cases the NHS no longer provide ‘cosmetic’ mole removal.

Private Mole Checks & Removal

The London Mole Removal Centre is a private company, offering private mole checks and mole removal treatment for unwanted moles. The experienced doctors and surgeons also offer removal treatment for a range of other skin lesions (e.g. cysts, skin tags, warts, verruca, lipoma, xanthelasma).

All consultations and treatments are carried out in person by doctors who are specially trained in the latest laser and skin surgery techniques and are highly experienced in the field.

Further advantages of private treatment at the London Mole Removal Centre include:

  • No waiting lists
  • Fully trained doctors, registered with GMC
  • Moles can often be removed in the same appointment as the consultation, saving the need for a repeat visit and allowing patients to get their skin lesions removed very quickly
  • Choice of 4 clinics in London plus one in Bristol
  • Removed moles tested with report provided

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7731 3791.