Melanoma: how to spot it

The following "A, B, C, D" rule is a convenient guide to the sort of moles which should be checked out by a doctor.

The following "A, B, C, D" rule is a convenient guide to the sort of moles which should be checked out by a doctor.

Asymmetry - one half unlike the other

Border irregularity - rough or poorly defined edges

Colour variety - from one area to another, shades of tan and brown-black and sometimes patches of white, red or blue

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Diameter - larger than 6mm or is growing bigger

HOW TO BE SUNSMART

Cover up:

Wear a wide-brimmed hat or a hat with a neck flap to protect your neck

Wear a T-shirt or other shirt with a close-weave material.

USE SUNSCREEN

Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF)15 or higher

Make sure it has UVA and UVB protection

Put sunscreen on 20 minutes before going out into the sun

Use lots of sunscreen and reapply every two hours (more often if you have been swimming).

SEEK SHADE

Avoid being out in the sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Use sun umbrellas and other types of shade to protect you

PROTECT YOUR EYES

Wear sunglasses that give a high protection against UV rays (European Standard EN 1836 or BS Standard BS 27 24 19 87).