Paul Merson Reveals Skin Cancer Diagnosis – These 7 Warning Signs Should Never be Ignored

Former England footballer and Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson, 58, has revealed he was diagnosed with skin cancer in 2012 after delaying a check-up for months.

Speaking on Good Morning Britain, he shared: 'I was at that age where, growing up, there weren't a lot of sun creams around, and I'd burn. Then, playing football, I never would because you'd be worried it would get in your eyes.'

'It was strange because it was on my back,' said Merson. 'Even when I used to go sunbathing, I'd never lie on my front – it was just by walking around.'

Merson recalled being on holiday with his family when one of his children noticed blood on his back. He admitted he 'still went home and didn't do anything about it', adding: 'I don't know if it was a man thing or I was scared or something like that.'

While many people still associate skin cancer with a dark or unusual mole, Dr Asiya Maula, a private GP at The Health Suite, says the symptoms can be far more varied. Here, Dr Maula explains the skin cancer warning signs to look out for.

1. A Mole That Changes Shape, Size or Colour

'One of the most important warning signs is a mole that starts to change,' says Dr Maula. 'This might mean it becomes larger, develops an irregular border, changes colour or starts looking noticeably different from your other moles.'

She adds: 'Any mole that is evolving over time should be assessed by a healthcare professional, particularly if the changes occur over a matter of weeks or months.'

2. A New Mark or Growth That Doesn't Go Away

Skin cancer does not always begin in an existing mole. Dr Maula says: 'Skin cancer does not always develop from an existing mole. Sometimes it appears as a completely new mark, lump or patch on the skin.'

She recommends: 'If you notice a new lesion that persists for several weeks and isn't healing as you would expect, it is worth getting it checked.'

3. A Sore That Won't Heal

Some skin cancers can look more like a stubborn sore or scab than a mole.

'Many non-melanoma skin cancers present as small sores or scabs that repeatedly heal and then break down again,' says Dr Maula. 'People often assume they have knocked the area or that it is a minor skin irritation, but a wound that refuses to heal properly should never be ignored.'

4. Bleeding, Crusting or Itching Skin Changes

A mole or skin lesion that starts to bleed, crust, itch or become irritated without a clear reason can also be a warning sign.

Dr Maula says: 'A mole or skin lesion that starts bleeding, crusting, itching or becoming irritated without an obvious cause can be a warning sign. While these symptoms do not automatically mean cancer, they do warrant further investigation, especially if they persist.'

5. A Red, Scaly or Rough Patch of Skin

Not all skin cancers are dark in colour. Some can look more like dry skin, eczema or irritation.

'Not all skin cancers are dark in colour. Some can appear as red, scaly, rough or slightly raised patches that can easily be mistaken for eczema or dry skin,' says Dr Maula. 'If an area of skin isn't responding to moisturisers or usual treatments and remains present for several weeks, it's worth seeking medical advice.'

6. A Shiny or Pearly-Looking Bump

Basal cell carcinomas can sometimes look like small, harmless bumps, which means they may be easy to miss.

Dr Maula explains: 'Basal cell carcinomas can sometimes appear as small, shiny, pearly or translucent bumps, often on sun-exposed areas such as the face, ears or neck.'

She adds: 'They may look harmless initially, which is why they are sometimes overlooked.'

7. A Lesion That Looks Different from Everything Else

Dr Maula says one useful rule is the 'ugly duckling sign'.

She explains: 'If one mole or skin lesion looks noticeably different from all the others on your body, it deserves attention. Often it is that one lesion that stands out which turns out to be significant.'

Dr Maula explains: 'The vast majority of skin changes are not cancer, but skin cancer is far easier to treat when it is detected early. If you notice a mole changing, a sore that isn't healing, unexplained bleeding or any skin lesion that concerns you, it's always sensible to seek medical advice rather than wait and see.'

Kate Neudecker

Kate is a fitness writer for Men’s Health UK where she contributes regular workouts, training tips and nutrition guides. She has a post graduate diploma in Sports Performance Nutrition and before joining Men’s Health she was a nutritionist, fitness writer and personal trainer with over 5k hours coaching on the gym floor. Kate has a keen interest in volunteering for animal shelters and when she isn’t lifting weights in her garden, she can be found walking her rescue dog.