HEALTH CHECK
The four signs of melanoma everyone must know as Sarah Ferguson reveals skin cancer diagnosis
Plus the ABCDE checklist of things to watch out for
THESE are the four signs of melanoma everyone must know as Sarah Ferguson reveals her skin cancer diagnosis.
It was today revealed the Duchess of York has been diagnosed with the aggressive illness, and is still awaiting further tests.
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She is currently recovering in a high-tech clinic, and is said to be "in good spirits".
In an attempt to keep Brits safe, the NHS urges the public to look out for unusual moles or marks with particular characteristics, particularly if they change over time.
Things like abnormally sized moles or those with mixed colours should be an instant warning sign.
Anything larger than around 6mm in diameter would be worth a look by a dermatologist, as well as moles experiencing rapid or uncontrolled growth.
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Other risk signs include swelling, bleeding itching or uneven edges.
Medical expert Dr Philippa Kaye also revealed what to look out for following Fergie's shock skin cancer diagnosis.
The TV doctor added that it is common to have moles and it is important to check your skin for any changes.
Four signs of skin cancer to watch out for
According to the NHS
1. Moles with an uneven shape or edges
2. Moles with a mix of colours
3. Moles larger than around 6mm wide
4. Moles that change over time, including swelling, bleeding and itching
And she urged Brits to avoid the sun in the middle of the day, sunbeds and tanning booths, warning: "There is no such thing as a safe sun tan.
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"Whatever your skin colour, protect yourself from the sun. Use a high factor SPF, broad spectrum sun cream."
Dr Kaye added: "Malignant melanoma is a type of skin cancer which can spread to other parts of the body.
"Although it is more common in older adults, it can occur at a younger age. The majority of cases are due to sun damage from sun exposure or sun beds.
Other risk factors include having a family history of melanoma, having pale skin and getting older."
She encouraged people to use an ABCDE checklist to identify any changes.
This includes Asymmetry of a mole, the Border of the mole becoming irregular, having two or more Colours, a Diameter of over 6mm or a mole that is constantly Evolving.
She urged anyone noticing these changes to see a specialist, adding: "A dermatologist is likely to examine the lesion and may take an excision biopsy where the mole, or part of the mole and surrounding tissue, is removed and examined."
If the melanoma has not spread, surgically removing the mole generally is curative.
If it has spread, then treatment can include radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Almost all patients diagnosed with stage one malignant melanoma survive at least five years after diagnosis, she said.
Patients may alternatively be diagnosed with a non-melanoma skin cancer, which are often related to sun damage and are more likely for older people and those with pale skin.
The Duchess of York revealed her melanoma diagnosis, which she received just six months after undergoing a single mastectomy to treat her breast cancer.
Moles removed during that operation were analysed, with one discovered to be malignant.
She is currently recuperating at the MAYRLIFE Clinic in Altausee, Austria, which is favourited by stars including Rebel Wilson and Naomi Campbell.
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It is the latest health blow to the Royal Family in a month that has seen both the Princess of Wales and the King requiring hospital treatment.
The former was admitted for "abdominal surgery" at a London clinic, while the latter will receive a "corrective procedure" for an enlarged prostate.
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