Mole Scanning Service
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Booking an appointment
Book an appointment at a participating Boots Pharmacy1
Attend your appointment in a private consultation room. This will last around 20 minutes
The scans will be analysed by ScreenCancer & a report sent to you within 1 week
What happens at a Mole Scanning appointment?
Step 1
A member of your Boots pharmacy team will talk with you in a private consultation room. There will be a short questionnaire to assess your risk factors for skin cancer and a consent form to complete.
• You will be asked to identify the mole(s) or pigmented lesion(s) that you would like scanned – please note, our Boots pharmacy team cannot advise you on this.
• Then a scan of the mole(s) or pigmented lesion(s) will be taken using a ScreenCancer dermatoscopic imaging device.
• The images and information will then be sent securely to a ScreenCancer Dermatology Specialist for analysis.
The consultation will last about 20 minutes.
Step 2
The scans will be analysed by a ScreenCancer Dermatology Specialist for signs of malignant melanoma, with a report sent to you within one week.
If it shows that your mole(s) or pigmented lesion(s) is/are at risk, a ScreenCancer Dermatology Nurse will contact you to discuss the next steps.
Our bodies and moles are always changing and we can’t guarantee that a mole that has been considered normal will always remain so. It’s important to be aware of any changes to the mole/pigmented lesion and to use the ABCDE rule to self-check.
The service doesn’t provide a diagnosis of skin cancer.
How much does the service cost?
- The first mole/pigmented lesion will cost £40
- Each additional mole/pigmented lesion scanned within the one consultation will cost £20
If you wish to have more than four moles scanned we advise you to speak to your GP.
*The Boots Mole Scanning Service is run by ScreenCancer. Therefore the fee that you pay for this service is paid to ScreenCancer.
Understand more about mole scanning
You should check your skin frequently. The more aware you are of your skin, the more likely it is that you will spot any changes.
If you have a mole that has:
- changed size, shape or colour
- become painful or itchy
- become inflamed, started bleeding or is crusty
- looks unusual and has not gone away after a few weeks. Be aware of the ABCDE rule.
It's normal for:
- babies to be born with moles
- new moles to appear – especially in children and teenagers
- moles to fade or disappear as you get older
- moles to get slightly darker during pregnancy
If you are concerned about any new or existing moles or pigmented lesions it is important you get them checked.
• You can book an appointment online
• You’ll receive your results within one week
• You can collect Boots Advantage Card points too
The Mole Scanning Service is for those aged 18 years old and over. If you are younger than 18, please see your GP if you have any concerns about your moles or pigmented lesions.
Please note, there are cases where we cannot scan any moles or pigmented lesions which include:
- located in an intimate area of the body. (e.g. genitals, areas of the breasts covered by a bra)
- on the eyelid or the tip of an ear.
- covered by an excessive amount of hair.
- that is wet, open or bleeding.
- that is on a tattoo
If any of these exclusions apply to you and you are concerned about your mole, please see your GP for help.
What is the ABCDE Rule?
Protecting your skin
What can you do to reduce the risk?
Here are some useful tips to help reduce your risk of developing skin cancer
It's important to check your skin every few months for changes in moles or signs of new moles/pigmented lesions appearing.
To protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun, it is important to use sunscreen with a sun protection factor appropriate for your skin type and climate (at least SPF 30) and has high UVA protection as well. Follow the pack instructions for application and reapply frequently.
Choosing a product that protects you from both UVA and UVB rays, as both can increase the risk of skin cancers and skin ageing.
Spend time in the shade when the sun is strongest and the risk of getting sunburnt is higher. In the UK, this is between 11 am and 3 pm from March to October.
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Testimonials
"I am so so pleased with the service from Boots all the way to ScreenCancer."
MS G.
FROM SOUTHPORT - APRIL 2024
I had a mole on my arm which became itchy and had grown slightly, over about 4 weeks. The boarders looked slightly irregular. I decided to book in with Boots for a mole scanning. The very next day after my mole scanning, I received a phone call from ScreenCancer to tell me my report and what to do next. I am so so pleased with the service from Boots all the way to ScreenCancer. I have told so many people about this service. I can confirm that I had a melanoma which was successfully removed, and it has not spread. If this service was not available and I had not gone for my scanning, I don’t know what would have happened, thank you.
"The fact it was reasonably priced and convenient was important for me, as well as a great service."
MISS M.
FROM LONDON - JANUARY 2024
I had a lesion on my right leg that I was concerned about, getting a scan appointment was proving tricky and expensive. I came across the service with Boots online, it was easy to access and convenient for me. I found there was lots of flexibility with date, times, and stores. I booked my appointment; I had my scan on the Friday and by the Monday ScreenCancer had called me with my report. My GP referred me to Dermatology, and they excised the lesion. They said it was a Dysplastic Nevus and was better off removed. I did not need any other treatment. I would recommend the service and would use it again in the future. The fact it was reasonably priced and convenient was important for me, as well as a great service.
Frequently asked questions
Up to four moles. If you wish to have more than four moles checked we advise you to speak to your GP.
No mole scanning is a quick, easy, painless analysis of moles and pigmented skin lesions.
