Skin Cancer Awareness and Prevention.

Skin Cancer Awareness & Prevention

From The Skin Well® | Drawn from the Happy Skin Leaflet Series

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK — and rates continue to rise.
The good news? Many types are preventable, and early detection saves lives. This checklist helps you protect your skin, spot changes early, and build simple habits that make a real difference.

This isn’t about fear. It’s about awareness, action, and support.

☀️ SUN & UV PROTECTION

☐ I regularly spend time outdoors without sun protection
☐ I don’t usually wear SPF daily (even in spring/autumn)
☐ I don’t use UV400 sunglasses to protect the skin around my eyes
☐ I’ve had sunburn — especially blistering sunburn — in the past
☐ I use sunbeds or seek tanning deliberately

What might help:
→ Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily, SPF 50 in summer — reapply when outdoors (NHS)
→ Wear a hat, UV400 sunglasses, and cover exposed areas
→ Seek shade between 11am–3pm

🧴 SKIN TYPE & FAMILY HISTORY

☐ I have fair skin, freckles, red or light hair
☐ I burn easily or tan poorly
☐ I have a personal or family history of skin cancer
☐ I’ve had a large number of moles or atypical moles

What might help:
→ Be especially careful with sun protection and regular self-checks
→ Speak to your GP or dermatologist about your personal risk and tailored advice

🔍 MOLE & MARK CHECKING

☐ I’ve noticed a mole or mark that’s changing, bleeding, or itching
☐ I don’t regularly check my skin for new or changing areas
☐ I’m unsure how to check my moles — or what to look for

What might help:
→ Learn the ABCDE method:

  • Asymmetry (two halves don’t match)

  • Border (irregular or blurred)

  • Colour (uneven or multiple colours)

  • Diameter (larger than 6mm)

  • Evolving (changing in size, shape, or sensation)
    → Check your whole skin monthly — use mirrors, photos, or ask a partner to check your back/scalp
    → If you’re concerned, see a GP or use a trusted mole-checking service

🧠 AWARENESS & ROUTINE

☐ I don’t usually think about my skin until something goes wrong
☐ I’m unsure if I’m using the right SPF or protection techniques
☐ I’d like to take better care of my skin, but I’m not sure where to start

What might help:
→ Start small — use SPF, wear a hat, check your skin once a month
→ Seek advice and resources from NHS, Cancer Research UK, or the British Association of Dermatologists

💡 REMEMBER
Skin cancer doesn’t just affect people who sunbathe — it can affect anyone. Prevention starts with simple, everyday habits.
If in doubt, get it checked. Most skin cancers are highly treatable when caught early.

If you’re unsure about a mole or mark, speak to your GP or a dermatologist. Don’t wait.

 

The Skin Well®
A grassroots, evidence-aware initiative supporting public skin education.
👉 @theskinwell_

Disclaimer

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the information in this leaflet is for educational purposes only. It should not replace professional advice from a qualified healthcare practitioner. If you have concerns about your skin or treatment, please consult your GP, pharmacist, or another healthcare professional.

Version: [Sept / 2025]

© 2025 Jacqui de Jager | The Skin Well® & The Happy Skin Clinic®
All rights reserved. This leaflet is for personal use and education only. It may not be reproduced, distributed, or adapted without written permission.