Skin Cancer Checks: Warning Signs and When to Get a Mole Checked

In short: Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK, and most types are very treatable when found early. Get any new, changing, itchy, bleeding or crusting mole or skin mark checked promptly, either by your GP or a private dermatology appointment. A skin check involves a history, a close look at the skin (usually with a dermatoscope) and, if anything looks suspicious, a referral or biopsy.

This guide, reviewed by a Ready Health prescribing pharmacist, explains the warning signs, what happens at a skin check and how to choose between NHS and private routes.

What are the main types of skin cancer?

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) – the most common type. It usually grows slowly and rarely spreads, but can damage surrounding tissue if left untreated.
• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) – often appears as a firm, scaly or crusting lump on sun-exposed skin. It can occasionally spread if not treated.
• Melanoma – less common but more serious, because it is more likely to spread. It often develops from a new or changing mole.

BCC and SCC are grouped together as "non-melanoma skin cancer".

What are the warning signs of skin cancer?

A useful way to check moles is the ABCDE approach:

Other signs worth getting checked include:

• a new mole or mark, especially in adulthood
• a mole that is itchy, painful, swollen, bleeding or crusty
• a spot or sore that has not healed after a few weeks
• a scaly, pearly or shiny lump that keeps growing
• a dark streak or patch under a nail that is not due to an injury

Melanoma can appear anywhere, including areas that get little sun such as the soles of the feet, palms, under nails and the genitals, so check all over.

Who is at higher risk of skin cancer?

• People with fair skin, light-coloured eyes, red or fair hair, or skin that burns easily
• Anyone with lots of moles or unusual-looking (atypical) moles
• A personal or family history of skin cancer
• A history of sunburn, particularly blistering sunburn in childhood
• Past or current sunbed use
• Outdoor work or hobbies with a lot of sun exposure
• A weakened immune system, for example after an organ transplant

Skin cancer can affect people of any skin tone. In darker skin it may be found later, and melanoma is more likely to appear on the palms, soles or under the nails.

What happens during a skin check?

A skin or mole check is a straightforward appointment. Typically, the clinician will:

1. ask about your concern, how long the mark has been there and whether it has changed
2. ask about sun exposure, sunburn, sunbed use and family history
3. examine the mark, often using a dermatoscope (a handheld magnifier with a light) to see structures beneath the surface
4. check other areas if needed, including places you cannot easily see
5. explain what they think it is and agree a plan

The plan might be reassurance and advice on monitoring, a photograph to compare at a review, a biopsy or removal for laboratory testing, or an urgent referral to a hospital skin cancer team. Only a biopsy can confirm whether a lesion is cancerous.

NHS or private skin check: what are the options?

If you are worried about a mole, you can see your NHS GP. If they suspect skin cancer, they can refer you urgently to a specialist under the NHS suspected cancer pathway. This is the right route for anything that looks suspicious, and you should not delay contacting your GP while waiting for any other appointment.

Some people also choose a private dermatology appointment, for example for convenience, to discuss a mole they are not overly worried about, or to have a non-urgent lesion assessed at a time that suits them. Private appointments are self-funded. If a private clinician finds something suspicious, they will explain how it can be assessed further, which may include referral back into NHS cancer services.

What is mole mapping?

Mole mapping (sometimes called total body photography) uses photographs of your skin and individual moles so that changes can be compared over time. It is mainly useful for people with many moles or atypical moles, or a strong personal or family history of melanoma. It is not needed by most people and does not replace checking your own skin regularly.

How can I check my own skin?

• Check your skin about once a month in good light, using a full-length mirror and a hand mirror.
• Ask a partner or family member to check your back and scalp.
• Take dated photos of any moles you want to keep an eye on.
• Look for anything new, changing or unusual for you.

How can I reduce my risk of skin cancer?

• Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm in UK summer months.
• Cover up with clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses.
• Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and a high UVA rating (4 or 5 stars), applied generously and reapplied regularly.
• Never let your skin burn, and avoid sunbeds.

Frequently asked questions

Is a changing mole always cancer?

No. Most moles and skin marks are harmless, and many changes have innocent causes. However, any change should be checked by a clinician so that skin cancer can be ruled out.

How often should I have a skin check?

There is no national screening programme for skin cancer in the UK. Most people do not need routine professional checks and should simply check their own skin regularly. People at higher risk may be advised by a specialist to have regular reviews.

Can a mole be removed at the same appointment?

Sometimes a small lesion can be removed in clinic, but this depends on the clinician's assessment. Anything suspicious of skin cancer should go through the appropriate specialist pathway.

Do I need a referral for a private skin check?

No, you can usually book a private dermatology appointment directly. It is still helpful to let your GP know about any findings.

Key takeaways

• Most skin cancers are very treatable when picked up early.
• Use the ABCDE checklist and get any new, changing or non-healing mark checked.
• If you think a mole could be cancer, contact your GP promptly; they can make an urgent referral.
• A private dermatology appointment is an alternative for assessment at a time that suits you.
• Sun protection and avoiding sunbeds are the best ways to lower your risk.

Sources and further reading

• NHS: Melanoma skin cancer
• NHS: Non-melanoma skin cancer
• NHS: Sunscreen and sun safety
• Cancer Research UK: Melanoma

Last reviewed: October 2026 by Shamir Patel, Independent Prescribing Pharmacist, Ready Health. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own clinician.

Concerned about a mole or skin mark? You can book one of our private dermatology appointments at our clinic in Standish, Wigan, convenient for Chorley and Bolton. If you think a mark could be skin cancer, please also speak to your NHS GP without delay.