Boots has announced the launch of its Mole Scanning Service in 50 pharmacies, in conjunction with ScreenCancer UK, to raise awareness of melanoma among young people and encourage people to regularly check their moles.

Melanoma is the fastest growing form of skin cancer in the UK, but overall awareness of the condition is low and not enough people regularly examine their moles for signs of abnormality. A British Association of Dermatologists survey found that 40 per cent of people never check their skin for indications of the disease, and some 77 per cent say they would not recognise signs of melanoma.

Using a powerful imaging tool, images of the skin are captured by a trained Boots healthcare advisor and sent for analysis by a dermatology specialist. So far, one in 10 moles scanned through the service has been identified as needing follow up.

Richard Bradley, pharmacy director, Boots UK, commented;  “If caught early, melanoma can be dealt with quickly and successfully and 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.”