Skin cancer diagnosis

In 2018, 96 per cent of skin cancer cases were diagnosed at an early stage (stage 1 and 2).

During the Covid-19 pandemic, early diagnosis rates fell to 90 per cent.

Early diagnosis of skin cancer is now at its highest since 2018, with 98 per cent of cases being diagnosed at an early stage.

What is the be skin smart campaign?

The campaign aims to teach people about:

  • the risks associated with UV exposure
  • how to prevent skin cancer
  • how to spot the early signs and symptoms.

You can find out more about the campaign on our  patient and public involvement hub.

How can I be skin smart?

No matter the colour of your skin, staying safe in the sun reduces your chances of suffering from skin cancer.

There are some simple steps you can follow to be skin smart:

  • 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.

The four main steps to follow to stay safe in the sun.

How do I check my moles?  

Make sure you regularly check your skin for new moles, or changes to existing ones. Know your ABCDEs when it comes to checking.

If you notice anything unusual, always contact your GP straight away.

  • 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.

 

Instructions on how to check your moles for skin cancer

Community training

Watch the video to learn about our work with Social Enterprise Kent, promoting Be Skin Smart in the community.

 

How can I get involved in the Be Skin Smart campaign?

We have developed campaign materials highlighting the skin cancer symptoms to look out for, steps we can take to protect our skin and how to check our moles.

These are:

  • posters
  • postcards
  • a debit-card size foldout information card, with a mole tracking diary, complete with handy ruler to measure your moles.

Want to help spread the message? Our patient and public involvement hub includes further information on how you can order the campaign materials.