Most Scots can’t spot the signs of melanoma skin cancer

● New survey data shows only 19% of the Scottish public are confident that they can identify symptoms of melanoma skin cancer.
● Knowledge of signs is particularly low in males with only 58% knowing that a change in an existing mole or lesion could be a symptom of melanoma skin cancer.
● Young people were shown to be less concerned about skin cancer with only 68% saying they would see their GP if they noticed the red-flag symptom.

New data released today by the charity Melanoma Focus shows that less than 1 in 5 (19%) of the Scottish public are confident that they can identify the symptoms of melanoma skin cancer.[1]

In a UK-wide survey confidence levels were similar for males (22%) and females (18%) yet when it came to knowledge of the signs of skin cancer, males scored far lower with only 58% knowing that a change in an existing mole or lesion could be a sign of melanoma skin cancer and only 57% knowing that a mole that has an uneven edge could be a symptom. The number for female respondents was 81% and 78% respectively.[2]

Female respondents were also much more likely to correctly identify all melanoma skin cancer symptoms and more likely to know that SPF30 or above is generally advised as the most appropriate level of sunscreen protection.[3]

Despite these worrying findings, the survey found that the majority of people (83%) would seek medical advice from a GP if they noticed the red-flag symptom of a change in an existing mole or lesion, however this percentage fell to 68% for young people. [4] This finding is of particular concern because 82% of 18-25 year olds said they would sunburn at least once per year.[5]

The majority (62%) of respondents check their moles for changes. However, a smaller proportion (30%) check their moles each month.

Cases of melanoma are increasing in Scotland [6] and it is now the 5th most common cancer in females and the 6th most common cancer in males. [7] There are around 2,300 melanoma skin cancer deaths in the UK every year (more than 6 every day) and the number of cases is expected to rise.[8]

1 in 36 men and 1 in 47 women in the UK will be diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer in their lifetime. In females, the most common specific location for melanoma skin cancer is the legs, in males it is most likely to occur on the back.[9]

Susanna Daniels, CEO of Melanoma Focus said:

“Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. However, if detected early, most cases can be cured by surgical removal. Usually, the earlier this is done, the better the long-term outlook is likely to be. “Everyone should be aware of their skin and moles, looking out for any changes. This is especially important for people who spend a lot of time outdoors or work in construction, farming or other outdoor jobs. “It’s crucial that you contact your GP if you notice new or changing moles or lesions.”

William Munro from Aberdeen was diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer in 2015. William said:

“It’s so important that people learn the signs of melanoma. I had no idea how serious itwas and I ignored a changing mole for a long time before I went to see my doctor. I wasn’t in pain and felt fine so I didn’t treat it as a priority. “By the time I was diagnosed it had spread to my lymph nodes and my treatment was a
lot more complicated and serious than it could have been. I ended up needing major surgery, a very difficult course of immunotherapy and I now need to take regular
medication and carry it with me at all times because of its impact. However, it’s better than risking having melanoma spreading, but it’s been a very difficult journey. Don’t delay seeking medical advice if you notice symptoms, it could save your life.”

Dr Charlotte Proby, Professor of Dermatology at Ninewells Hospital & Medical School in Dundee, said:

“Melanoma skin cancer is the most common cancer in 15 to 29 year olds in Scotland. We’re concerned that symptom awareness is so low and that young people are often reluctant to seek medical help if they notice signs of potential melanoma on their skin. Red flags that indicate early melanoma include change in size, shape or colour of a new or a previously existing ‘mole’, especially if this change occurs fairly fast over weeks or just a few months. “Early diagnosis is key to the survival chances of people with melanoma. If it can be caught before it spreads then patient outcomes are vastly improved.”

[1 ]20% of UK adults and 19% of Scottish adults felt confident that they could identify the symptoms of melanoma skin cancer. View the full data tables here.
[2] View the full data tables here.
[3] 22% of Males and 31% of females knew that SPF 30 is the minimum SPF value sunscreen needed for protection against melanoma skin cancer. View the full data tables here.
[4] Only 68% of 18-25 years said they would seek medical advice from their GP if they noticed a change in an existing mole or lesion.
[5] View the full data tables here.
[6]2015_12_17-ScotPHN-Report-Skin-Cancer-1.pdf
[7]Cancer Incidence in Scotland (publichealthscotland.scot) p22-p23
[8]Melanoma skin cancer statistics | Cancer Research UK
[9]Melanoma skin cancer statistics | Cancer Research UK