| Risky Mole Indicators |
| The two questions below indicate if you have any moles that require immediate attention |
| Do you have a mole that is changing size, shape, colour? |
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| The universal truth about melanoma is that it will change. If you suspect a lesion is changing, it should be checked immediately. |
| Do you have a mole that is continually itching and/or has a history of bleeding? |
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| Itching or bleeding of moles is not normal. If you have a mole behaving like this, get it checked today. |
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| If you answered yes to either of the above questions, may you have a mole that requires immediate diagnosis. Contact MoleMap to discuss a "Spotcheck" appointment, or talk to your doctor today. |
| Overall Risk Indicators |
| The following questions relate to factors that have been proven to increase your risk of developing melanoma. |
| Do you have a personal history of melanoma or other skin cancers? |
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| If you have had a previous melanoma, your chance of developing another new melanoma in the next 5 years are markedly increased. |
| Is there any history of melanoma in the family? |
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| Melanoma can be genetically linked - if one of your first degree relatives (Parents, Siblings or Children) has had a melanoma you are at increased risk.
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| Do you have funny looking (atypical) moles?
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| The presence of atypical moles suggests that your body has the ability to grow melanin (the pigment in your moles & melanoma) at an irregular rate, meaning you are more likely to "grow" a melanoma that someone who has no or normal looking moles. |
| Do you have lots of moles?
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| Generally speaking, the more moles you have on your body, the greater your risk of developing melanoma. |
| Did you have any major sunburns during childhood or adolescence ? |
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| For reasons not yet fully understood, melanoma is related to your total UV exposure, and this is significantly influenced by exposure to UV when your skin was "younger". If you spent a lot of time in the sun as a youngster, or had severe sunburns, you are at an increased risk. |
| Do you have fair skin and light coloured eyes? |
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| Another of the risk factors that is not yet fully understood, but people with fair skin & light coloured eyes are more likely to develop melanoma. |
| Have you ever used sunbeds or solariums? |
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| Sunbed use has been proven to impact your melanoma risk. Sunbeds use UV Radiation, which has been proven to damage the DNA in the skin, which can cause melanoma. If you have used sunbeds, you are at an increased risk. |
