Skin cancer takes a variety of forms. It is seldom painful but may not manifest itself as an ugly lesion. If there is any unusual growth on the skin that does not go away within a couple of weeks, seek medical attention.

The “ABCDE” rule can help you to look out for signs of skin cancer.

Asymmetry
When both sides of mole do not look the same

Border
The edges of a mole are blurry or jagged.

Colour
The colour of a mole changes; if it becomes darker than before, or if the colour spreads or goes away, or if more than one colour appears (blue, red, white, pink, purple or grey).

Diameter
When a mole is larger than a quarter of an inch in diameter(about the size of a pencil eraser).

Elevation
When a mole is raised above the skin and has a rough surface.

You should also watch for these changes to your skin

• A mole that bleeds
• A mole that grows fast
• A scaly or crusted growth on the skin
• A sore that won’t heal
• A mole that itches
• A spot on our skin that feels rough like sandpaper