Melanoma UK Launches Beauty Spotters to raise awareness of Acral Melanoma

Melanoma UK have launched their new campaign - Beauty Spotters. The campaign is aiming to raise awareness of the signs of Acral Melanoma, which is the most common form of skin cancer in Black and Brown skin i.e. People of Colour (POC).  

Acral Melanoma is unique as it isn’t related to sun-exposure, and it is difficult to diagnose (often misdiagnosed in the first instance). Data shows that not only is there a lack of awareness of the signs and symptoms, there is also a misconception that people of colour can’t get skin cancer which the charity is trying to myth bust.  

Starting with Nails

Some of the first symptoms of Acral Melanoma show on your nails. This is why it’s so important that those at risk regularly check nails, especially if they frequently have gel nail varnish etc. which can mask signs.

Signs of Acral Melanoma on nails

 To help raise awareness and encourage the public to regularly check their nails Melanoma UK have created the Beauty Spotters Toolkit.  Packed with information and a handy nail sticker kit which showcases the watch-out signs of Acral Melanoma.

They have also partnered with two Dermatologists – Dr Sharon Belmo and Dr Nishali Patel to further support this campaign.  

Mark Rawden, CEO of Melanoma UK said, "Beauty Spotters is our launch campaign for Melanoma Awareness Month this year. As a charity, we are expanding our efforts beyond traditional discussions of solely sun-related skin cancers. Our focus has been sharpened around not just raising awareness but campaigning for behaviour change to increase the likelihood of melanoma being spotted amongst all people.” 

You can find out more about the campaign here.