Skin Cancer Screening & Mole Checks

Most spots and moles are harmless, but knowing what to look for — and getting changes checked promptly — is one of the simplest things you can do for your skin health. Skin cancers are far more treatable when found early.

When checking a mole or spot, the ABCDE guide is a helpful starting point:

• A — Asymmetry: one half doesn't match the other.
• B — Border: edges that are irregular, ragged, or blurred.
• C — Colour: more than one colour, or uneven colour.
• D — Diameter: larger than about 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser), though smaller spots can still matter.
• E — Evolving: changing in size, shape, or colour, or starting to itch or bleed.

Any new spot that looks different from your others, or a sore that doesn't heal, is also worth having looked at.

See a physician if you notice any of the ABCDE signs, a changing or new mole, or a spot that bleeds, itches, or won't heal. If you have many moles, a family history of skin cancer, or significant sun exposure over the years, it's reasonable to discuss your individual risk with your doctor.

Your iCollab family doctor or a walk-in physician can examine a spot of concern and advise next steps. Where specialist assessment is helpful, dermatology is on the iCollab team, so a referral is straightforward and your records stay connected.