Spot It Early: Using the ABCDE Rule to Detect Skin Cancer
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Skin cancer is one of the most common—but also one of the most preventable—types of cancer. At DermAttract, we care not just about how your skin looks but also how healthy it is. Knowing how to recognise the early warning signs of skin cancer could literally save your life. That’s where the ABCDE Rule comes in.
What Is the ABCDE Rule?
The ABCDE rule is a simple, powerful guide for checking your moles and spots for signs of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Here’s how to use it:
A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other. Imagine folding it in half—do both sides look the same?
B – Border: Look out for uneven, ragged, or blurred edges.
C – Color: A healthy mole is usually one shade of brown. Multiple colors—tan, black, red, white, or blue—can be a red flag.
D – Diameter: Anything larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser) should be checked, though melanomas can be smaller.
E – Evolving: Has the mole changed in size, shape, or color? Is it itchy, bleeding, or crusting? Changes are cause for concern.
If you notice any of these ABCDE signs, book an appointment with your GP or a dermatologist as soon as possible. Don’t wait and see—early detection of melanoma can increase survival rates dramatically.
In the UK:
Around 16,700 people are diagnosed with melanoma each year.
It is the 5th most common cancer in the UK.
Early-stage melanoma has a 10-year survival rate of over 90%, but this drops significantly if it's caught late.
An annual skin check is advisable, especially if you:
Have a family history of skin cancer
Have fair skin, freckles, or red/blonde hair
Use tanning beds or have a history of frequent sunburns
Spend a lot of time outdoors
Have multiple moles
Prevention: Your Best Defense
While early detection is essential, prevention is even better. Fortunately, protecting your skin doesn’t have to be complicated:
Use broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) daily—even on cloudy days and during winter. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating.
Avoid tanning beds
Wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.
Seek shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM, when the sun’s rays are strongest.
Regularly examine your skin.
Skin Cancer in the UK: The Stats That Matter
Here’s why it’s worth taking sun safety seriously:
Over 250,000 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer are diagnosed each year in the UK.
Melanoma rates have doubled in the past 20 years, especially among people over 55.
86% of melanoma cases are preventable, largely by avoiding UV exposure.
Glowing Skin Starts with Healthy Skin
At DermAttract, we believe skincare should be more than surface-deep. While our treatments help you look your best, our passion is also keeping your skin safe.
So next time you're applying sunscreen or checking your skin, remember the ABCDE rule. If something doesn’t feel or look right—get it checked by your doctor. Your future self will thank you.
