If you have more than 50 'common moles' you are deemed to a higher risk of getting skin cancer (Source: Yale Medicine). The vast majority of moles are deemed to be common moles and are not considered dangerous.
Common moles are round in shape, have regular colouring and can be either raised or flat to the skin. If you notice a change in colour or shape you should seek medical advice immediately, as this can be a sign of skin cancer. Other symptoms to take seriously include bleeding or oozing, itching, or hardness/lumpiness.
Irregularly shaped moles, known as abnormal or dysplastic nevi, carry a more serious risk of skin cancer. Irregular moles tend to be larger, have a mixture of colours, display irregular borders and may feel scaly or lumpy. Irregular moles are not necessarily cancerous but should be assessed with extra care. Someone with more than 10 irregular moles is 12 times more likely to develop melanoma compared to the general population (Source: Cancer Foundation).
The good news is that skin cancer is highly preventable if you take the right sun protection measures. Over 90 per cent of skin cancers and melanomas are caused by sun overexposure. You can lead a healthy, outdoor lifestyle and be sun safe at the same time.
Dermatologists recommend that everyone, not just people deemed high-risk, protect themselves from the sun every day. You can do this by wearing UPF 50+sun protective clothing and a broad-brim sun hat, and applying a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF rating above 30.
Solbari is a leading Australian UPF 50+ sun protective clothing brand.
Australia is the global leader in sun protection, skin cancer & melanoma diagnosis and treatment. Solbari offers a range of UPF 50+ sun protective products. For more information, please go to www.solbari.com.
