Early detection starts with regular Mole Checks

Your skin is your largest organ; a living, dynamic barrier that protects you, regulates your temperature and defends against infection. It is under constant environmental pressure, including ultraviolet radiation, ageing and genetic factors which all influence how skin cells behave and renew over time.  

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK and one of the most treatable when detected early. It accounts for a fifth of all cancers in the UK with 20,000 new cases of melanoma diagnosed each year. Other skin cancers include the non-melanoma skin cancers, with 180,000 cases of basal cell cancer and over 50,000 cases of squamous cell cancer diagnosed each year. Early-stage melanoma confined to the skin has a five-year survival rate of over 95%, at later stages outcomes become significantly more serious. Early-stage melanoma confined to the skin has a five-year survival rate of over 95%. At later stages, outcomes become significantly more serious.  

A specialist Mole Check is one of the most effective tools for early detection. Melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma can each develop gradually, presenting initially as subtle changes that are easy to overlook without clinical assessment.

Our Mole Check

At Preventicum our Optimal and Ultimate Assessments now include a Mole Check with a Consultant Dermatologist, who specialises in identifying clinically significant lesions that may not be visible to the naked eye.

Your Consultant Dermatologist will review your clinical history and notes taken by your Preventicum Doctor during your initial consultation on the day of your health assessment. This integrated approach means your skin examination is informed by a detailed understanding of your personal and family history, skin type, sun exposure risk and any relevant clinical findings. During your Mole Check, a dermatoscope is used to examine pigmented lesions in detail. This specialised instrument magnifies and illuminates the skin, revealing structural features beneath the surface, enabling far greater diagnostic accuracy than a visual inspection alone.

The check covers your entire body and screens for the full spectrum of skin cancers, including melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. You will receive immediate verbal feedback and advice during your consultation, followed by a written report and onward referral where clinically indicated.

The ABCDE rule

Regular self-monitoring of your skin can help you notice changes early, particularly those that may suggest melanoma. We recommend setting aside time each month to thoroughly examine your skin and note any changes over time. Familiarising yourself with the ABCDE rule can help you monitor your moles for changes in asymmetry, border, colour, diameter or evolution and seek prompt medical attention when necessary.

In people with brown or black skin, melanoma can be harder to spot and may not follow the usual ABCDE pattern, sometimes appearing as a pink, ulcerated patch on the palms, soles or under a nail.

Understanding UVA and UVB rays

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is one of the main environmental factors that contributes to skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. UVA and UVB are the two main types of ultraviolet rays that reach the earth's surface. Both damage skin cells and increase the risk of skin cancer, but they affect the skin in different ways.

• UVA (Ageing): these longer-wavelength rays penetrate deep into the skin and are a primary cause of premature ageing, including wrinkles, fine lines and sunspots. UVA rays can pass through glass and cloud cover and remain present throughout daylight hours.
• UVB (Burning): these shorter-wavelength rays affect the outermost layer of the skin and are primarily responsible for sunburn. UVB intensity varies depending on the season and time of day and these rays do not penetrate glass.

To protect your skin year-round, our Consultant Dermatologists recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30, formulated to block both UVA and UVB rays.

Mole Checks are now included in our Optimal and Ultimate Assessments. If you have any questions or would like to book your next health assessment, you can schedule a call with our Client Relations Team, call 020 7605 6900 or email us.