Skin Cancer Awareness
Why This Matters to Me ❤️
After everything I'd already been through with breast cancer, I never imagined I'd find myself worrying about my skin too.
What I thought was just a tiny spot refused to heal. It would occasionally bleed, then seem to settle again. It wasn't large, it wasn't particularly dark, and it certainly didn't look like the scary pictures you often see online. In fact, if you didn't know it was there, you'd probably never notice it.
But something kept telling me it wasn't quite right.
I'm so grateful I listened to that instinct and had it checked.
That experience reminded me that skin cancer doesn't always look dramatic. Sometimes it's simply a spot that won't heal, a tiny scab that keeps returning, or something that just looks a little different from the rest of your skin.
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers, but when it's found early, it's often highly treatable. It can develop anywhere on the body and doesn't always look like a typical mole. Sometimes it appears as a new freckle, a sore that won't heal, or a mark that simply looks different from the rest.
That's why I wanted to create this page.
If sharing my experience encourages even one person to stop ignoring "that little spot" and book an appointment, then it has been worthwhile.
Early detection really can save lives.
☀️ Why It Matters
Your skin is your body's largest organ, and it changes throughout your life. The more familiar you are with what's normal for you, the easier it is to notice when something changes.
Checking your skin only takes a few minutes, but those few minutes could make all the difference.
🔍 What to Look For
Trust your instincts. If something doesn't look or feel right, don't ignore it.
Keep an eye out for:
- A new mole or spot that wasn't there before
- A mole that changes in size, shape or colour
- Uneven colours, especially black, brown, red, white or blue within one mole
- An itchy, sore, flaky or bleeding patch of skin
- A sore or scab that doesn't heal after a few weeks
- Any mole or mark that looks different from the rest
Remember, skin cancer can develop anywhere on your body, including your face, scalp, back, arms, legs, hands, feet and even between your fingers and toes.
🌸 When to Check
Aim to check your skin once a month.
A good time is after a shower or bath, in natural light, using a mirror to look at those harder-to-see areas. If you notice something new or changing, take a photograph to monitor it and arrange an appointment with your GP.
🧴 Reduce Your Risk
Looking after your skin doesn't mean avoiding the sun altogether - it's about enjoying it safely.
✔️ Wear SPF 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days
✔️ Reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating
✔️ Wear protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses
✔️ Seek shade during the hottest part of the day (11am–3pm)
✔️ Avoid using sunbeds
✔️ Encourage your loved ones to check their skin too
☎️ Get Support & Help
NHS – Information about skin cancer, symptoms and treatment
https://www.nhs.uk
Cancer Research UK – Skin cancer information and advice
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org
Macmillan Cancer Support – Practical and emotional support
Free Support Line: 0808 808 00 00
https://www.macmillan.org.uk
You are never wasting anyone's time by getting a mole or skin change checked.
💛 A Gentle Reminder
Know your skin. Check it regularly. Trust your instincts.
If something doesn't look right, don't wait - book an appointment with your GP.
Please don't dismiss "that little spot" just because it doesn't look serious. Sometimes the smallest changes are the most important.
Taking just a few minutes each month could make all the difference.
Early detection saves lives.