Early skin cancer diagnosis at its highest level
In Kent and Medway, early diagnosis of skin cancer is at its highest since 2018, with 98 per cent of cases being diagnosed at an early stage (stage 1 or 2).*
And with Sun Awareness Week taking place this week, we are being reminded that it's important to stay 'skin smart' all year round.
Early detection
The Be Skin Smart campaign was first launched in 2022, to help increase early diagnosis of skin cancer and raise awareness of the signs and symptoms.
Campaign materials highlight the symptoms to look out for, steps we can take to protect our skin and how to check our moles.
Stay sun safe
No matter the colour of our skin, staying safe in the sun reduces our chances of suffering from skin cancer.
Up to 90 per cent of skin cancers are preventable by adopting simple sun-safe strategies.*1
Dr Jonathan Bryant, Primary Care Cancer Clinical Lead, said: “It's great that more people are being diagnosed earlier, when more treatment is available.
“It's important that if you notice any new moles or changes to existing ones, to contact your GP to get them checked.
Learning how to prevent skin cancer and how to spot the signs and symptoms early, can save lives.”
Skin smart roadshows
Since the campaign began, Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance has been raising awareness of skin cancer through local roadshows, helping people learn how to be skin smart.
The alliance and community partner Social Enterprise Kent (SEK) will again be taking the #BeSkinSmart roadshows into communities across Kent and Medway.
Roadshow locations and dates will be confirmed and added to the Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance website in due course.
How can I be skin smart?
You can help prevent skin cancer by following these steps:
- avoid being in the sun from 11am to 3pm, the hottest part of the day
- make sure you apply sun cream regularly and try never to get sunburn
- your sun cream should have an SPF of at least factor 30, and a minimum of a four-star rating
- wear a hat and stay covered up with suitable clothes and sunglasses.
How do I check my moles?
You should make sure you regularly check your skin for new moles, or for changes to existing ones. If you notice anything unusual always contact your GP.
Know your ABCDEs when it comes to checking.
- A - Asymmetry: Both halves don't look the same.
- B - Border: The mole has blurred or jagged edges.
- C - Colour: The mole has more than one colour.
- D - Diameter: Grows larger than 6mm.
- E - Evolution: Changes size, shape or colour.
If you notice anything unusual always contact your GP straight away.
If found, diagnosed and treated early enough, almost all cases of skin cancer are curable.
Find out more on the Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance's work on early diagnosis of skin cancer.
Skin cancer information on the NHS website.
*Stats from Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance, 2026.
*1 Stats from Cancer Research UK.