Almost everybody has moles. They normally appear in childhood and early teenage years. These moles can turn into skin cancer. If you notice any of the following changes, see your doctor for a skin check.
- Increasing in size
- New moles
- Irregular shape or notching of the borders
- Changes in colour, for example, brown to back
- Raised and palpable moles
- Rough and scaly surface
- Bleeding from the mole
- Itching or irritation
- Mole that looks different from other moles
Having one or more of the skin changes does not necessarily mean that you have skin cancer. However, it is important that you consult your GP to have them investigated further.
Excessive sun exposure is the main cause of skin cancers in Australia. However, exposure to small amounts of sunlight is essential to get vitamin D. A balance is required between avoiding an increase in the risk of skin cancer by excessive sun exposure and getting enough exposure to maintain adequate levels of vitamin D.