I HAVE pale skin and lots of moles.

Does this make me more at risk to developing skin cancer?

l Most types of skin cancer are caused by exposure to the sun. However, one in ten of us has a mole that is abnormal, and more likely to turn into a melanoma than a normal mole. Abnormal moles are usually flat, fairly large moles. They tend to have irregular borders and uneven colour.

Sunspots are small, red, flattish areas of scaly skin that may sting if scratched. They are more common in people over the age of 40 who have spent a lot of time in the sun, and are another sign that you may be more prone to melanoma.

People with a lot of moles, more than 25, are at more risk of melanoma.

The most important advice is for you to be familiar with your own body. If you notice any change in a mole, particularly if they change colour, become inflamed, bleed on rubbing or increase in size and become irregular in shape, get your doctor to check it.