D for Diameter

A mole wider than 6mm in diameter - the size of the blunt edge of a pencil - should be checked. However, early melanomas may be smaller than this so always be aware of the other signs.

Other skin changes to look out for

Any changes to a mole in shape, size or colour and any new growths on your skin which don't heal should all be reported to your GP.

Melanomas are most often found on legs in women and on the trunk in men, but they can occur on any part of the body including the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.

Although melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, as many as 100,000 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer occur each year in the UK.

Any changes to your skin to your skin should be seen by a doctor. These include red spots or patches of skin which won't heal, are sore, itchy, bleed, ulcerate or crusty.

This article was published on Thu 5 August 2010