When Should You Get a Mole Checked? A Simple Guide

Most moles are harmless, and the majority of adults have between 10 and 40 of them. However, changes in a mole can sometimes be an early sign of skin cancer, so knowing what to look for is important.

The ABCDE rule

A simple way to check your moles at home is the ABCDE guide:

• A – Asymmetry: the two halves do not match.
• B – Border: edges are irregular, blurred or jagged.
• C – Colour: uneven colour or several shades of brown, black, red or blue.
• D – Diameter: larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
• E – Evolving: any change in size, shape, colour or height.

Other warning signs

Get a mole checked if it starts to itch, bleed, crust or feel sore, or if a new mole appears in adulthood that looks different from your others. This is sometimes called the “ugly duckling” sign.

How often should I check?

Check your skin once a month in good light, using a mirror for hard-to-see areas such as your back. Taking photos can help you track changes over time. People with fair skin, many moles, a history of sunburn or a family history of skin cancer should be especially careful.

What happens at a mole check?

A practitioner will examine your moles, often using a dermatoscope, a magnifying tool that shows detail beneath the skin’s surface. Any mole that looks suspicious will be referred for further assessment.

Prevention matters

Protect your skin with SPF 30 or higher, avoid sunbeds and cover up during the strongest sun of the day.

If a mole is worrying you, do not wait. Book a mole check with Be Well Today for peace of mind.