Boots UK, in conjunction with ScreenCancer UK, has launched a mole scanning service in 50 of its branches. The aim is to raise awareness of melanoma among young people and try to encourage them, and the rest of the country, to establish a life-long habit of regularly checking their moles. 

Data shows that today’s 15-24 year-olds are more likely than previous generations to develop melanoma in their lifetime, says Boots. Melanoma is the fastest growing form of skin cancer in the UK and although around half of malignant melanoma cases are currently diagnosed in people over 65 years of age, these rates have increased by 119 per cent since the early 1990s and are set to continue rising.

Despite these rapidly rising rates of melanoma, overall awareness is low and not enough people regularly examine their moles for signs of abnormality, says the retailer. Two-fifths (40 per cent) say they never check their skin for indications of the disease, and even when they do, more than three-quarters would not recognise the signs of melanoma.

Early detection of melanoma hugely improves survival rates. In 80-90 per cent of cases the melanoma can be removed with no recurrence.

The mole scanning service uses a powerful imaging tool that captures images of five components of the skin across different layers. A trained Boots healthcare adviser captures the images, which are sent to ScreenCancer UK for analysis. If the mole or pigmented lesion is identified as a potential risk, a ScreenCancer dermatology nurse will contact the customer directly to discuss next steps.

Richard Bradley, pharmacy director, Boots UK, said: “If caught early, melanoma can be dealt with quickly and successfully. This is just another fantastic example of how community pharmacists can use their clinical skills to support patients’ health in locations and at times that are convenient to them.”