Melanomas - the most serious type of skin cancer - can arise anywhere on the skin, even in areas where the sun doesn’t shine.

With summer around the corner, many people are taking extra precaution to limiting sun exposure or mitigating its impact on their skin. Although identifying seeking medical attention for anything unusual on your skin can help detect or rule out skin cancer, some signs can be missed. Melanoma, a type of skin cancer, can arise anywhere on the skin, even in areas where the sun doesn’t shine.

ABCDE of moles
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, melanomas typically appear on the legs of women. Moles, which are mostly harmless, could be harbouring cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends the ABCDE method of checking moles.

A : asymmetry

B : border changes

C : colour changes

D : diameter changes (such as an increase in size)

E :elevation or evolution (a growth that has changed over time)

If you notice any change in size, shape, colour or elevation of a spot on your skin, or any new symptom in it, such as bleeding, itching or crusting, you should see a dermatologist immediately.

"A spot that's suspicious for cancer may have varying colours from one area to the next, such as shades of tan, brown or black, or areas of white, red, or blue. Irregular, scalloped or poorly defined borders can also be a sign of skin cancer."

Tricky detection
Experts at the Skin Cancer Foundation clarified that although these tips may help, identifying a potential skin cancer is not easy as not all melanomas follow the rules. They added that melanomas come in many forms and may display none of the typical warning signs.

"It’s also important to note that about 20 to 30 percent of melanomas develop in existing moles, while 70 to 80 percent arise on seemingly normal skin."

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