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Skin and mole checks: What to look for, and why now

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Skin checks are a short, painless, and effective form of cancer prevention. Credit: La Cala Medical

By Dr. Hanna Raitio, MD, PhD, Consultant Dermatologist

Summer is coming. UV exposure is about to increase remarkably, and so are the risks, especially for fair skin. Now is a good time to have your skin examined, before the strongest months arrive.

Skin cancer is a common cancer in fair-skinned populations. Most skin cancers are visible from the outside, and when found early they can be treated with simple procedures. Melanoma, the most serious form, has a cure rate even above 95% when detected and removed in an early stage. Early signs are often subtle: a small change in colour, a slightly uneven edge, a spot that itches or bleeds, a patch that does not heal.

What a dermatologist actually does

A proper skin check is a full-body examination. The dermatologist looks at the scalp, behind the ears, between the fingers and toes, the soles of the feet, and other areas patients rarely check themselves, or simply cannot reach on their own. A dermatoscope (a handheld magnifying tool with polarised light) shows structures inside a mole that are not visible to the naked eye. This improves the accuracy of diagnosis and reduces unnecessary biopsies. For patients with many moles or a personal or family history of skin cancer, mole mapping may be recommended.

What to look for at home

Between visits, examine your own skin regularly. The ABCDE rule is a useful guide:

  • Asymmetry: one half of the mole does not match the other
  • Border: edges that are uneven, blurred, or notched
  • Colour: more than one shade, or a recent change
  • Diameter: larger than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)
  • Evolving: any change in size, shape, colour, height, or sensation

Also pay attention to the “ugly duckling” sign: a mole that looks different from the others on your body. If a spot itches, bleeds, crusts, or does not heal, have it assessed.

Why this matters more on the Costa del Sol

Light skin types, a tendency to sunburn, and decades of recreational sun exposure all contribute to the risk. Damage from past summers accumulates. Our skin has a good memory. It surfaces years later, often after the age of 50.

The practical step

If you have not had a full skin examination recently, book one before the hottest months begin. Annual checks are reasonable for most people over 50 in this region, and sometimes even more frequent checks for higher-risk patients. Examine your own skin regularly between visits.

Skin checks are short, painless, and one of the most effective forms of cancer prevention we have. The earlier a problem is found, the simpler the solution.

Dr. Hanna Raitio is a consultant dermatologist practising in La Cala de Mijas.

www.lacalamedical.com

Tel: 681 231 350

Av. Mare Nostrum 13, La Cala de Mijas

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Rocking Johnny To Party At Duquesa Port

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Get ready to rock as the annual ‘Party in the Square – Fiesta del Sol’ fundraiser is making its way back to Puerto de la Duquesa next week, with its tried and tested formula of live music and community fundraising.

Open-air venue at Plaza del Coral

The date for the event is Saturday, June 13, with the fun kicking off at 7pm. Party vibes will take over the open-air space at Plaza del Coral, right in the heart of the Duquesa Port complex.

The evening is entirely free to attend, organisers are hoping for a strong turnout of local residents, summer tourists, and families all looking for an evening to enjoy the early summer marina atmosphere.

Rocking Johnny ready and waiting to perform

Live entertainment for the night is locked in, with local musician Rocking Johnny taking the stage as the headline act. He will be performing live sets throughout the evening to keep the crowd moving and singing into the night.

Fundraising for Estepona’s Fundacion APRONA

While the night centers around live music, the core important purpose of the evening is supporting regional care services. All money raised during the event will go directly to Fundacion APRONA.

Based out of neighbouring Estepona, the foundation provides essential local services, including an occupational therapy centre, a specialized school for individuals with special needs, a residential facility, and family support networks. They also provide critical early stimulation care for children aged up to 6 years old.

Local businesses and Manilva Town Hall unite for cause

The event is organized in close partnership with the Manilva Town Hall’s Foreign Residents Department

To ensure entry remains free for the public, a handful of well-known local businesses are sponsoring the night. Supporters listed on this year’s bill include Morgan Hair Design, Manilva Properties, Ryders, and Shandies.

Head down to the Plaza del Coral on June 13 for 7pm to party, rock and raise some funds.

For more information visit the Manilva Town Hall website

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‘This Is Michael’ At Marenostrum Fuengirola

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Marenostrum Fuengirola will revive the magic of Michael Jackson on Friday, June 12, as world‑renowned tribute artist Lenny Jay brings the global touring production This Is Michael to the Costa Del Sol.

The internationally acclaimed show, considered one of the most faithful and high‑impact tributes to the King of Pop, forms part of the 2026 Marenostrum season. The performance takes place inside the stunning historic walls of Sohail Castle.

Doors open at 8:30pm, with the show beginning at 9:30pm, and tickets start from €44, including fees and VAT.

A tribute led by one of the world’s top Michael Jackson performers

The production stars Lenny Jay, the Brazilian artist widely regarded as one of the most authentic Michael Jackson interpreters working today. Jay has fronted major Jackson‑themed productions across Europe and has been praised for his physical resemblance, vocal likeness and precision in replicating Jackson’s intricate and unique choreography.

He has previously performed in official Jackson‑family, endorsed projects and has been noted for his ability to recreate the tone, staging and energy of Jackson’s most iconic tours, including Bad, Dangerous and HIStory.

The show features a full live band, international dancers, large‑scale visuals and more than ten costume changes, recreating the artist’s most recognisable eras.

A global production with a strong following

This Is Michael has toured extensively, selling more than half a million tickets worldwide and performing in major venues including the Gran Rex in Buenos Aires, Arena CDMX, Arena Monterrey and Vistalegre in Madrid.

The Fuengirola date is part of the show’s 2026 world tour, which includes additional Spanish stops such as Seville on June 14, Barcelona on November 1, and Madrid on November 6.

A Thriller of a night in the Marenostrum 2026 line up

Marenostrum Fuengirola, supported by Fuengirola Town Hall, is one of Spain’s most popular summer music series. The festival hosts around 36 concerts each season, spanning pop, rock, classical, flamenco, indie and more. Set inside the most magical of settings.

Event information

What, This Is Michael starring Lenny Jay
When, Friday June 12. Doors 8:30pm, show 9:30pm
Where, Sohail Castle, Marenostrum Fuengirola
Tickets, from €44 available via the official site.

For more information on this event visit the Fuengirola Town Hall website.

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Scottish Mafia Boss Steven Lyons Vows To Fight Spain Extradition Ahead Of Crunch Amsterdam Court Hearing

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ONE of Scotland’s most notorious gangland bosses has vowed to fight his planned extradition to Spain after a humiliating arrest in Indonesia earlier this year. Arne Kloosterman, the lawyer of

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