Ten common beliefs, corrected with explanations and practical actions.
1. Removing a mole spreads melanoma
Appropriately indicated removal does not spread melanoma. Biopsy establishes diagnosis and guides further care. If cancer returns after an operation, this does not mean that cutting it awakened it; cells may already have spread beforehand. Procedures have ordinary risks such as bleeding or scarring, which the clinician explains. Those risks differ from the myth that biopsy causes dissemination. Do not delay assessment because of this fear.
Sources: NCI — Common moles, dysplastic nevi and melanoma; NCI — Melanoma Treatment (PDQ).
2. A bleeding mole is always melanoma
Trauma can make a benign lesion bleed. However, spontaneous or repeated bleeding, particularly with growth or change, needs assessment. Neither “definitely cancer” nor “only the razor” is a safe automatic conclusion. Record the change and arrange review; photographs may help comparison but do not replace examination. Many melanomas do not bleed, so absence of bleeding is not sufficient reassurance.
3. You need a tan for vitamin D
Vitamin D matters, but seeking a tan or using sunbeds is not necessary. Diet and supplementation when indicated can address deficiency with a clinician. The former page suggested some hours required no protection, an inappropriate simplification. UV intensity, season, location and duration matter even in cool weather. Outdoor activity remains possible with suitable protection without treating a tan as a sign of health.
Sources: AAD — Vitamin D and sun protection.
4. Sun risk depends only on the ozone hole
Ozone absorbs some UV, but personal exposure also depends on latitude, altitude, clouds, reflection, time and behaviour. It is inaccurate to call ozone irrelevant locally or to attribute every increase in cancer to it. Local UV information, shade and clothing are more useful for planning protection. Perceived temperature does not measure the radiation reaching the skin.
Sources: WHO — Ultraviolet radiation.
5. You cannot develop a second melanoma
Someone who has had melanoma can develop a new primary melanoma, distinct from recurrence. Family history or many atypical moles may add risk but are not required for this to happen. Continue the agreed surveillance plan and report new lesions. Appointment frequency should reflect clinical history and the centre’s plan rather than fear or a generic timetable.
Sources: NICE NG14 — melanoma, recommendations; NCI — Common moles, dysplastic nevi and melanoma.
6. One sunscreen application lasts all day
Outdoors, reapply sunscreen regularly, generally every two hours and after swimming, sweating or towelling as directed. Too little product reduces protection. No sunscreen blocks everything, and it should not be used to extend time in the sun. Shade, clothing, hats and sunglasses remain important. Children, sensitive skin and photosensitising treatments may require tailored advice.
Sources: AAD — How to apply sunscreen.
7. A few sunbed sessions are harmless preparation
UV tanning devices are carcinogenic and are not healthy preparation for holidays. The former claim that a few annual sessions cause no harm must be corrected; it is not a defensible guarantee. A base tan does not replace sun protection or undo earlier exposure. Avoiding sunbeds is a practical measure without trying to calculate a personal allowance of “safe” sessions.
Sources: WHO — Sunbeds cause cancer.
8. Bergamot and natural oils make tanning safe
Some plant extracts contain photosensitising chemicals that can cause inflammation, blisters and persistent pigmentation with UVA exposure. Do not apply oils or homemade mixtures to intensify tanning. Composition matters, so this warning should not become a claim that every bergamot-containing product is identical. A significant reaction after exposure needs assessment, not further sun to even out the colour.
Sources: DermNet — Phytophotodermatitis.
9. Tattooing over a mole makes no difference
Ink may hide colour, borders and changes, making observation harder. Avoid covering moles and have uncertain lesions checked before tattooing or laser removal. This diagnostic issue differs from the still-studied question of whether some inks increase cancer risk. Compliance with ink regulations does not remove the need to assess a suspicious spot.
Sources: ECHA — Tattoo inks and permanent make-up; NCI — Common moles, dysplastic nevi and melanoma.
10. Boating or wind makes the sun less harmful
Wind and water can reduce the feeling of heat while UV exposure continues. Reflection, surrounding surfaces and time outdoors contribute to the dose received. Plan shade and protective clothing, protect exposed areas and remember reapplication and eye protection. Similar principles apply in mountains and cool weather: do not wait for redness or burning before taking precautions.
Sources: WHO — Ultraviolet radiation; AAD — How to apply sunscreen.
Editorial review and source consultation: 17 October 2026. Educational information, not individual healthcare or benefits advice. Source checking does not certify a new specialist clinical validation.