The British Skin Foundation has launched a Valentine’s Day themed campaign to encourage the public to check the moles of loved ones.
The campaign encourages people to look for irregular mole activity such as growth or change of shape, development of new colours, inflammation and bleeding, red areas around the edge of moles or itching.
Dr Bav Shergill, consultant dermatologist and British Skin Foundation trustee, said: “Most skin cancers can be cured if detected early. The best way to detect skin cancer is to check your skin regularly, about once a month.
“You should examine the skin all over your body from top to toe. Ask a friend or member of your family to look at areas you can’t see such as your scalp, ears and back.”
In the UK, over 100,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year, with at least two 15-34 year olds diagnosed with malignant melanoma every day. Seven people every day die from the disease, each typically losing 20 years of their life.
Diagnoses of malignant melanoma are rising faster than any other type of common cancer. The Foundation recommends visiting a GP if any noticeable changes in moles occur.