ADVICE FROM OUR WOMAN’S WEEKLY DOCTOR
Melanomas occur anywhere on the body, commonly sun-exposed areas. Rarer types affect the eyes, soles of the feet, palms or genitals. Melanoma risk links to having pale, easily burnt skin, red or blonde hair, blue or green eyes, a large number of moles and family history of skin cancer, increasing with age and previous sunburn.
People with black or brown skin most often get melanoma on the soles, palms or under nails. Look out for uneven-shaped moles of two or more colours, large moles (over 6mm wide), or any changes, such as bleeding or itching, or becoming swollen, crusty or sore.
