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IT'S the fifth biggest cancer in the UK claiming more than 2,000 lives each year - but would you know how to spot the deadly signs of skin cancer?

Knowing the difference between a freckle and a cancerous mole could be the difference between life and death.

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There are more than 15,000 new cases of skin cancer in the UK each year, according to Cancer Research UK.

The disease has a survival rate of 90 per cent if caught early and, importantly, 86 per cent of cases are preventable - that means wearing sunscreen and avoiding the sun during the hottest hours of the day.

Given how good your chances are of surviving skin cancer it's important to know the key signs to look for.

We’ve all got lumps and bumps on our skin, and many of us are covered in freckles and moles.

Skin cancer has a 90 per cent survival rate if it's caught early
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Skin cancer has a 90 per cent survival rate if it's caught earlyCredit: Getty - Contributor

The majority of blemishes are totally normal and completely harmless, but it is important that each of us familiarise ourselves with the warning signs for cancerous growths.

Slight changes in the characteristics of a mole can often be a red flag sign.

If caught early, melanoma is one of the most treatable cancers, and can often be tackled with a simple procedure removing the mole.

But experts warn that the early detection rates could be much higher than they currently are.

Different types of UV rays penetrate the skin and cause damage at different levels
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Different types of UV rays penetrate the skin and cause damage at different levelsCredit: AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

The risk of melanoma increases with the number of moles a person has and those with fairer skin or red hair are also more at risk.

have put together a simple video to help people keep an eye on their moles and identify early if there are any potential problems.

They suggest using a simple “ABCDE” rule.

A – Asymmetry

It is recommended that you look out for any moles with an irregular shape
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It is recommended that you look out for any moles with an irregular shapeCredit: axappphealthcare

If a new or existing spot begins to change shape it could be a sign of skin cancer.

It may grow quite suddenly, or change over time, but if it is asymmetrical it's a good idea to get it checked by a GP.

B – Borders

Moles with ragged edges are also potentially cancerous and should be checked out by a doctor
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Moles with ragged edges are also potentially cancerous and should be checked out by a doctorCredit: axappphealthcare

Spots that have irregular borders are a red flag sign of skin cancer.

It may be a freckle or mole you've had for years that's suddenly got a funny border.

Or you've just developed an odd looking spot.

Either way, see your GP.

C – Colour change

If the colour of the mole has changed or is unusual, it is worth having check out
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If the colour of the mole has changed or is unusual, it is worth having check outCredit: axappphealthcare

Many cancerous moles will have different colours within them.

Or an existing mole may have become darker.

If you have a spot with different colours in it, or a mole starts to get darker, don't risk it - speak to a doctor.

D – Diameter

Any increases in size, especially in moles which are already large could be seen an indication of cancer
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Any increases in size, especially in moles which are already large could be seen an indication of cancerCredit: axappphealthcare

For this point you are looking for a mole that starts to grow.

You may not notice it at first, but after a while you may notice it is larger than it started out.

Any mole that is growing in size needs to be checked by a GP straight away.

E – Elevation

If the surface is raised or bumpy, it is definitely worth having the mole checked out
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If the surface is raised or bumpy, it is definitely worth having the mole checked outCredit: axappphealthcare

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Most freckles and moles tends to be flat against the skin.

If one of them suddenly becomes raised it's a sign of skin cancer.

If you naturally have a raised mole on your skin that doesn't mean it won't ever become cancer, so keep an eye on those too.

If you notice any of these signs it's better to be safe than sorry, book a n appointment with your GP straight away.

A COMMON CANCER THAT'S CAUSED BY SUN DAMAGE

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world.

It occurs when damage is caused to the skin cells, most often by UV light from the sun or tanning beds.

UVA and UVB rays are the two main UV rays emitted by the sun.

UVA rays account for up to 95 per cent of UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.

UVA penetrates the inner layer of the skin, called the dermis, and UVB mainly affects the outer layer of the skin, called the epidermis.

This damage can trigger mutations, or genetic defects, that lead the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumours.


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