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Everything you need to know about growing new moles after 30

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  We are often told that a new or changing mole raises alarm bells for skin cancer. In actuality, it’s very common for people to acquire and lose moles over the course of their lifetime. Most moles are not present at birth but develop from around the second year of life until we reach middle age. Around one per cent of babies are born with a congenital neavus (more commonly known as a birth mark) but the majority of moles don't form until our later childhood and early adulthood. A brand new mole in an adult aged 30+ may be a sign of an evolving melanoma. We can still develop new moles in our 30s and 40s, but the older we get, the rarer and more suspicious new moles become. Most people do not develop new  regular  moles after 30. Other growths in adulthood such as freckles, lentigines, liver spots, and seborrheic keratoses are common, and these - in addition to any new moles appearing on our skin after we reach 30 - require close observation, medical evaluat...

The ABC signs of Melanoma

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              Would you know how to recognise a melanoma growing on your skin? In this short video, Dr Angelica Logarta-Scott covers the ABC rules to self-checking for melanoma, to help you learn what to look out for in between your regular full-body skin checks . What are the ABCs of melanoma? Keep an eye out for one or more ABC signs of melanoma: A symmetry: The two halves don’t match B order: The edges are notched or uneven C olour: There are multiple colours D iameter: The lesion is larger than a pencil eraser E volving: The lesion is changing F irm: It feels hard to the touch G rowing: It has recently gotten bigger L earn more about the signs and symptoms of melanoma. What is melanoma? Melanoma is a deadly form of skin cancer arising from abnormal, uncontrolled growth of cells known as melanocytes. Melanoma is particularly dangerous because - if not detected and treated early - it can quickly spread to other organs of the body and b...

What Does Skin Cancer Look Like in Its Early Stages?

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Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer worldwide, and its early detection can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment. Recognizing the signs of skin cancer in its early stages is crucial, yet many people may not be aware of what to look for. This blog will guide you through the common signs and symptoms of early-stage skin cancer, helping you stay informed and vigilant about your skin health. Understanding Skin Cancer Skin cancer occurs when the skin cells undergo abnormal growth, often due to DNA damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Each type has distinct characteristics in its early stages, making it essential to understand how to identify them. Common Signs of Early-Stage Skin Cancer Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) Appearance : BCC is the most common type of skin cancer and often appears as a small, pearly or waxy ...