Skin Cancer Screening
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Europe — and in Portugal and Spain, where UV exposure is high year-round, the risk for fair-skinned expats is significant. The good news is that skin cancer is highly curable when detected early. Regular skin checks and prompt assessment of changing or suspicious moles can be life-saving.
Speak to an English-speaking dermatologist about a mole or skin change. No referral needed.
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On this page
This page provides general health information only. If you notice a rapidly changing or suspicious lesion, seek assessment promptly.
Types of skin cancer
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) — the most common skin cancer; slow-growing, rarely spreads, but can cause significant local damage if left untreated; presents as a pearly, flesh-coloured, or pink nodule or flat scar-like lesion
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) — more aggressive than BCC; can spread to lymph nodes if untreated; presents as a rough, scaly, red patch or raised firm nodule
- Melanoma — the most serious skin cancer; can spread rapidly to other organs; presents as a changing, irregular, multicoloured mole
- Actinic keratosis — a precancerous skin change from sun damage that can progress to SCC if untreated
Warning signs — the ABCDE rule
- Asymmetry — one half of the mole does not match the other
- Border — irregular, ragged, or blurred edges
- Colour — more than one shade of brown, black, red, white, or blue within the same lesion
- Diameter — larger than 6mm (size of a pencil eraser)
- Evolving — any change in size, shape, colour, or a new symptom such as bleeding or itching
Any mole that is changing, bleeding, itching, or looks different from your other moles should be assessed by a dermatologist promptly. Do not wait for it to "settle down".
Risk factors
- Fair skin, light hair, and light eyes — particularly high risk in the Mediterranean climate
- History of sunburn — especially blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence
- Cumulative sun exposure — outdoor workers, golfers, and expats with active outdoor lifestyles
- Large number of moles (50+) or atypical moles
- Personal or family history of skin cancer or melanoma
- Immunosuppression — from medication or medical conditions
- Previous radiotherapy
When to get checked
All fair-skinned adults living in Portugal or Spain should have a baseline full-body skin check with a dermatologist. Annual checks are recommended for those with risk factors. Get checked immediately if you notice a new or changing lesion that concerns you — do not wait for a routine appointment.
Expats moving from the UK, Ireland, or northern Europe to Portugal or Spain face a significantly increased UV exposure that their skin may not be adapted to. A skin check within the first year of living here is strongly advisable.
Book a skin check with an English-speaking dermatologist
No referral needed. Online consultation to assess your skin concerns within 24 hours.
Sun protection — your best defence
- Apply SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen daily — even in winter and on cloudy days in southern Europe
- Reapply every 2 hours when outdoors and after swimming
- Avoid midday sun (11am–3pm) between April and October
- Wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-protective sunglasses
- Never use sunbeds — they significantly increase melanoma risk
- Check your skin monthly — know your moles and notice any changes
How eMedClinic can help
Our dermatologists review photographs of skin concerns and moles, advise on urgency of in-person assessment, provide referrals for dermoscopy and biopsy where needed, and treat actinic keratoses and other pre-cancerous lesions. We also advise on sun protection strategies specific to living in Portugal and Spain.
Ready to book a skin check?
English-speaking dermatologists online. No referral, no waiting room.