Getting diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer

There isn't a national screening programme for melanoma skin cancer in the UK. Some people with a higher risk can have skin checks by a specialist.

See your GP if you develop a new mole, abnormal area of skin or changes to an existing mole. They will look at it and may refer you to a specialist.

You may be referred to a specialist if you have symptoms that could be due to melanoma skin cancer. This might be an urgent suspected cancer referral.

You might have a number of tests. This includes having a sample of tissue (biopsy) taken. Some people may have scans and tests on their lymph nodes.