Did you know that somewhere between one third and a half of melanomas are diagnosed by the patients themselves? Keeping an eye on your own skin, and knowing about changes early is invaluable. This should be done regularly, which is every 3-6 months for the general population, and in those at risk every 1-3 months.

Any concerning lesions should be assessed by your GP or skin specialist.

Assess lesions for changes in colour, size, thickness or outline.

Get lesions assessed if they are itchy, ulcerated or bleed. As a good guide - if something is an injury it should heal in three weeks. If the lesion you are watching doesn’t do that, then get it checked.

Look out for ‘ugly ducklings’. These are leasions that stick out, and seem at odds with the others on your body. Any odd lesions should be assessed too.