What is the Mole Scanning Service?
The Mole Scanning Service provides you with an assessment of moles and pigmented lesions you’re worried about and can help to identify any that might be suspicious.*
Moles and pigmented lesions are discoloured areas of the skin that contain very high concentrations of melanin. These are typically caused by sun exposure or ageing or may have been present since birth. They vary in size, shape and depth, and can be raised or flat. While most aren’t anything to be worried about, some can be a sign of skin cancer.
The service doesn’t provide a skin cancer diagnosis, but the ScreenCancer† Dermatology Specialists can help recognise any suspicious moles that may require further examination.
The Mole Scanning Service is run by ScreenCancer, with assistance from a member of the Boots Pharmacy Team.
Who can use the service?
The Mole Scanning Service is available to anyone aged 18 and over. If you’re under 18, we’d recommend you visit your Doctor if you are worried about any particular moles or pigmented lesions. We can only scan a maximum of 4 moles during a consultation.
Unfortunately, we’re not able to scan moles or pigmented lesions that are in the following areas:
• Intimate areas such as genitals, parts of the breasts which are covered by a bra
• Eyelid/s
• Tip of the ear
• Areas covered by an excessive amount of hair
We also can’t scan moles or pigmented lesions that are:
• Wet, open or bleeding
• On a tattoo
• Located directly over a pacemaker
Please visit your Doctor if any of the above exclusions apply to you and you’re still concerned about your mole/pigmented lesion.
How much does the service cost?**
• €45 for one mole/pigmented lesion
• €25 for each additional mole/pigmented lesion scanned within the same consultation (maximum of 4)
**As the Boots Mole Scanning Service is run by ScreenCancer, the service cost is paid to them.
Service available in selected stores only. Click on Book Now to see the location and availability throughout the country.
How it works
The Mole Scanning Service has two stages.
Stage 1 - consultation
A member of your Boots pharmacy team will talk to you in a private consultation room. There you will complete a short questionnaire, which will help us to assess your risk factors for skin cancer and provide consent to proceed with the service.
You’ll then be asked which mole(s) and/or pigmented lesion(s) you’d like to be scanned. Please note that our Boots pharmacy team can’t advise you on which particular moles(s) or pigmented lesion(s) you want to have scanned.
We’ll then use an imaging device to take a scan of your chosen moles(s) or pigmented lesion(s).
Any images or information from the scan will be sent securely to a ScreenCancer Dermatology Specialist to be analysed.
The consultation will last around 20 minutes.
Stage 2 - scan analysis
A ScreenCancer Dermatology Specialist will analyse your scans, looking for any that may be suspicious and need more investigating, which could lead to the detection of skin cancer, including malignant melanoma. A report will be available to you within one week.
If any mole(s) or pigmented lesions(s) are identified as being potentially harmful, a ScreenCancer Dermatology Healthcare Advisor will get in touch with you to discuss what to do next.
Why should I check my moles?
Skin cancer is now the most common cancer in Ireland,¥ so it’s really important to get an early diagnosis to get the best possible outcome. While skin cancer affects people of all ages and skin types, those with the highest risk have:
• Skin that burns easily in the sun
• Lots of freckles or more than 50 moles
• Red or fair hair
• A history of frequent sunburn as a child
• A family history of skin cancer
As our bodies are always changing, we can’t guarantee that a mole considered risk-free now may always remain so. This is why it’s important to look out for any changes that may occur to an existing mole/pigmented lesion and to use the ABCDE rule for guidance.
¥www.cancer.ie/cancer-information-and-support/cancer-types/skin-cancer
Asymmetry – Irregular shape – the two halves should be symmetrical
Borders – Unclear, irregular or ragged boundaries against normal skin
Colour – Changes in colour – especially black, blue or uneven colours
Diameter – More than 5-6mm in diameter and changes in size
Evolving – Changes in shape, size and colour, itching or bleeding of existing moles, or a new mole
There are lots of ways you can help reduce your risk of developing skin cancer. Here are some useful tips:
• Avoid being in direct sunlight between 11am and 3pm
• Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor appropriate for your skin type and climate (at least SPF30) and follow the pack instructions about reapplying it frequently. Choose a product that protects you from both UVA and UVB rays, as both can increase the risk of skin cancers and skin ageing
• When applying sunscreen remember to concentrate on areas such as ears, neck, shoulders and tops of your feet
• Wear closely woven fabrics such as cotton that prevent UV light from coming through
• Make sure to wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your head and face when out in the sun
• Don’t use sunbeds
• Check your skin every couple of months looking for changes in existing moles or signs of new moles/pigmented lesions appearing. When checking your skin, pay attention to commonly overlooked areas such as the scalp, ears, back, spaces between toes and their lower back
If you’ve had skin cancer in the past, you’re at a higher risk than the average person of getting it again, so take extra care in the sun during your day.
*The Mole Scanning Service is operated by ScreenCancer and the fee that you pay for this service is paid to ScreenCancer. Eligibility criteria and charges apply. In selected stores only, subject to availability
†ScreenCancer UK are a private limited company registered at Innovation House, Ramsgate Road, Sandwich, Kent, CT13 9FF
