How To Identify Skin Cancer and Melanoma

Australia has one of the highest rates of melanoma in the world and 2 out of 3 of us will have skin cancer by the time we turn 70.⁴

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. It can spread very quickly and become deadly.¹ But the good news is, if it’s found early, there’s a higher chance of effective treatment and recovery. That’s why knowing what the signs of melanoma are is essential.

The most obvious warning signs are changes to your skin or moles: how they look or how they feel. These changes aren’t generally accompanied by pain, so early warning signs can go unnoticed if you’re not vigilant about checking your skin regularly. In fact, recent studies in the US found that 56.3% of melanomas detected by American Dermatologists had not been noticed by the patient.¹

So what do you need to look out for? Read on to find out.

The A B C D E rule

The A B C D E rule is a simple guide to recognising the early signs of superficial spreading melanoma. Look out for the following:

Evolving– look for new moles or changes to any moles.

The E F G rule

The moles don’t need to be dark or have any other colour to them, but the key giveaway is that they are raised, often very symmetrical, are firm to touch, and most importantly are changing/growing progressively. In the early stages, this change might just be a sense of change rather than visible – perhaps the mole is itchy, or just feels funny.

This type of melanoma can affect anyone but is generally much more common in men over 50. The frightening thing about nodular melanoma is that because they grow fast, they can go deep very quickly (within a few months), which is why they are so dangerous and need early diagnosis and removal.

More info

Melanoma does not always fit the A B C D E or E F G rules described above. If you notice a mole or skin lesion that is…

• • different from others (the 'ugly duckling')
• • changing in shape, size or colour
• • a new skin lesion, or
• • itches or bleeds

... you should see your doctor or Molemap melanographer immediately, accurately describing the symptoms and your reason for concern. Call us on 1800 665 362.