How your camera could save your life!

One of the ways in which skin cancer presents itself is as a visual change to a mole.

In order for you to notice this change you need to remember what it looked like before.

If the mole happens to be on your back you have much less chance of noticing these changes, partly because you will probably be relying either on a glimpse in a mirror or the observations of another person.

With digital cameras becoming almost as common as mobile phones most households now have the basic technology to record pictures.

Always take a picture to show the general overview of where the moles are, use a marker to show any that are a bit unusual.

Moles that are Asymmetric (the two sides don't match), have irregular Borders, are unevenly Coloured or have a Diameter larger than a pencil should be monitored.

Take close-up pictures of each mole with some form of rule or scale included and make sure you date the pictures. Keep them safe and repeat the process 3 or 6 monthly.

Make sure you compare the pictures carefully and if anything has changed take them to your doctor so he can check them out.

IMPORTANT - Any moles that are itchy, bleed or ooze should be seen by a doctor immediately.

Here is a terrific site for more help and advice on photographing moles .