Skin Health MOT

• Dermatology
• Dermatology
• Skin Health MOT

Medically Reviewed November 2023, by Dr. Susan Mayou (GMC: 2405092) - founder of the Cadogan Clinic and one of the world's leading dermatologists

According to Cancer Research UK, melanoma skin cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the UK, and the number of people being diagnosed with this particular type of skin cancer has continued to rise over the last few decades. Around 85% of all diagnosed melanomas are caused by too much ultraviolet radiation, a direct result of sun exposure or using tanning beds.

Although we recommend that every adult should get a skin health check, there are certain people who are at a higher risk of melanoma and should seriously consider a regular skin health MOT.

The risk of melanoma increases with age, with more than 25% of those diagnosed with melanoma aged 75 and above. That said, compared to most types of cancer, melanoma is also quite common in younger people. Although people with fair skin are more at risk of skin cancer,  people of colour can also get skin cancer. Often skin cancer in Black people is not diagnosed until its later stages, meaning it is more difficult to treat. A skin health check will help to catch skin cancer in its early stages.

The more common moles a person has on their body, the higher their risk of developing skin cancer, so anyone with lots of moles should be having regular checks with a skin specialist, as well as conducting regular self-checks.

Although not all cancerous moles present in the same way, there are several key things you should consider when you are checking your moles yourself.

A worrying mole may have one, some or none of the above characteristics. As well as the ABCDE checklist, you should also apply The Ugly Duckling Test - if something doesn’t look right, it needs to be checked out.

It is not always possible to prevent a melanoma developing as some risk factors - including your family history and skin tone - are out of your control. But practicing good sun safety can help to prevent a benign mole from turning into a cancerous one. Avoid using sunbeds and when going out in the sun, make sure you put on a sun cream with an SPF factor of 30 or above, accompanied by a wide-brimmed hat. You should cover up any moles where possible.

Excessive sun exposure not only puts you at an elevated risk of developing skin cancer, but the sun’s rays can also cause premature aging of the skin.  As well as wrinkles and sagging, years of sun exposure can cause hyper-pigmented spots, commonly known as sun spots or liver spots. Our expert dermatologist will be able to advise you on how to care for your skin to ensure it stays healthy for the years to come.

How To Find Us

The Cadogan Clinic is based at 120 Sloane Street in Chelsea, just off Sloane Square and the Kings Road.

We are accessible by all major bus routes that pass through Sloane Square and Sloane Street, as well as Sloane Square tube station.

We are just a 5 minute walk northwards up Sloane Street once you have arrived at Sloane Square.

Local pay parking is available just around the corner from the Clinic on Cadogan Gate, Cadogan Square and Cadogan Gardens. Our local residential parking zone is the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea.

Address: 120 Sloane Street, Chelsea, London, SW1X 9BW