Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK and the number of people who get it is increasing.

Most skin cancers are caused by damage from UV (ultraviolet) rays in sunlight. These cancers could be prevented if we protect ourselves from the sun.

The number of cases has almost tripled since the early 1980s – in fact, there are more skin cancer deaths in the UK than in Australia, even though Australia has more cases of the disease!

Here at The Westbourne Centre, we feel early detection is the key to saving lives and an annual mole screening is recommended.

Our specialist nurse will carry out a ‘top-to-toe’ visual assessment and using the latest digital computerised technology, analyse any moles that need a closer look. If necessary, a referral will be made to one of our consultant surgeons who will make a decision on whether the mole needs to be removed and sent for further investigation.

This service is available to anyone over the age of 18 and does not require a GP referral.

Sadly for a lot of us, having been exposed to the sun as a child and having suffered sunburn doubles our risk of developing skin cancer! It is therefore so important to keep covered up in the sun and to check for any signs of change to existing moles or the sudden arrival of new ones.

The latest craze of competitive tanning amongst the younger set is just sheer madness, and is evident of the naivety of that age group to the dangers of the sun .The longer someone stays in the sun the more likely they are to burn and hence the possibility of developing skin cancer.

The Westbourne Centre mole screening service can offer peace of mind in the knowledge that a regular check may detect any early signs of skin cancer and act immediately to help prevent further change.

Call us on 0121 456 0880 to find out more and to book a consultation with our expert Cosmetic Nurse.