14/05/2026
May is skin cancer awareness month
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with over 156,000 non-melanoma cases diagnosed annually. Melanoma, the deadliest form, accounts for around 17,500 new cases each year and is projected to rise to 26,500 by 2040.
While skin cancer is often treatable when caught early, prevention and early detection are key.
Warning signs to detect:
A growth that increases in size and appears pearly, translucent, tan, brown, black, or multi-coloured
A mole (that looks different from your other moles)
A mole, birthmark, beauty mark, or any brown spot that:
Varies in colour
Increases in size or thickness
Changes in texture
Is irregular in outline
Is bigger than 6mm or 1/4", the size of a pencil eraser
Appears after age 21
A new red or darker colour flaky patch that may be a little raised
A new flesh-coloured firm bump
An open sore that doesn't heal
A spot or sore that continues to itch, hurt, crust, scab, erode, or bleed
https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-awareness/skin-cancer-awareness-month