Kevin Jonas Tells Fans to Check Moles

Jonas Brothers star Kevin Jonas has shared the importance of getting any suspicious moles checked after experiencing surgery to remove a cancerous mole.

He took to Instagram with a video, where he said:

“So today I am getting a basal cell carcinoma removed from my head. That is an actual little skin cancer guy that just started to grow, and now I have to get surgery to remove it. So, here we go.”

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a type of non-melanoma skin cancer that starts in the top layer of skin.

Fans have been quick to send good wishes while cancer organisations have welcomed the way Kevin has used his own story to raise awareness about skin cancer, self checking and early diagnosis.

The Skin Cancer Foundation’s official account commented:

“So sorry to hear about your BCC, Kevin. Thank you for raising awareness. Early detection is key. Wishing you the best on your recovery journey.”

Mole checking – expert advice

While moles are normal; any changes in size, shape or colour are potential warning signs, so it is important to be vigilant. A number of experts recommend the ‘ABCDE’ rule for mole checking:

• Asymmetry – uneven or lopsided mole, where one half looks different to the other rather than being a mirror image
• Border – the edges are uneven or jagged rather than smooth contours
• Colour – the mole is a mixture of different colours and/or unusual shades
• Diameter – the mole is bigger than 6mm across, larger than ‘normal’ moles
• Evolution – the mole has changed in size, shape or colour; or is displaying unusual behaviour such as itching or bleeding

Dr Ross Perry, founder and Medical Director of Cosmedics Skin Clinics, provided his expert advice for the article:

“A general rule is to look for the ‘Ugly Duckling Sign’.

“Normal moles usually look fairly similar to each other, while dangerous ones look noticeably different.

“If there is a mole that just doesn’t look or behave the same as the others, then that could be a cause for concern and it’s worth getting it checked out.

“A malignant melanoma will appear dark black often flat and irregular edge, these are very dangerous with a high risk of spreading, whereas squamous cell carcinoma tends to be a reddish lump on the skin that can bleed and ulcerate.

“Basal cell carcinoma is either a flat red patch of skin that bleeds or is painful but also a reddish lump.”

Dr Perry suggests checking the whole body, top to bottom, every 2-3 months.

He also specifically advised avoiding sunbeds and tanning salons, which expose the skin to unnecessary

Read this article in full

Dr Perry’s advice has featured in a number of publications:

• https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/kevin-jonas-nhs-bcc-jonas-brothers-treatments-b2562050.html
• https://www.standard.co.uk/news/health/kevin-jonas-nhs-jonas-brothers-joe-medway-b1164205.html
• https://www.rte.ie/lifestyle/living/2024/0613/1454599-kevin-jonas-urges-fans-to-get-moles-checked-following-surgery/

Dr Ross Perry

Dr Ross Perry regularly provides expert comment and advises the media on a range of skincare and health-related issues.

He has particular expertise in skin surgery mole removal and melanoma; having removed thousands of moles in his career, both within the NHS and privately through Cosmedics Skin Clinics. He has provided expert advice on sun damage and sun protection for a variety of UK media and publications.

He also comments on the latest cosmetic and anti-ageing treatment methods.

DR ROSS PERRY

Cosmedics Skin Clinics

Cosmedics Skin Clinics was established in 2003 and has built up an excellent reputation for cosmetic and medical skin treatments, carried out by GMC Registered Doctors.  The company offer a full range of cosmetic treatments, including popular lip enhancement and wrinkle relaxing injections, dermal fillers; plus medical treatments including mole removal, thread vein treatment and excessive sweating injections.

Cosmedics Skin Clinics has a team of skin treatment doctors and surgeons in their 5 skin clinics across London and Bristol led by Dr Ross Perry.

Call 020 7386 0464 or email enquiries@cosmedics.co.uk to book an appointment.