Best friends Natasha and Liz are the faces of the Boots Mole Mates campaign, which has found that nearly half of Brits find it difficult to check their moles properly when they are in hard to reach places such as on their back.

Over one in ten say they don't check their moles because they have too many to look at!

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer and the number of new cases in the UK has doubled in the last 20 years. However, if it is detected early, it can be easy to treat, which is why Boots is urging Brits to take the lead from Atomic Kitten and team up with a friend or partner to look for the early warning signs of skin cancer. The research also uncovered that three quarters s of all Brits don't want to bother a healthcare professional to check their moles.

The high-street chemist has provided all of its 4,000 pharmacists with the latest in mole health information which will mean that the public has an accessible first point of contact to ask for advice. It may help those who are concerned about their moles have the confidence to see their GP.

Natasha Hamilton explains why the Mole Mates campaign is important to her: "I have a few moles on my back and I'm really aware of the importance of getting them regularly checked out by my doctor, just for peace of mind. As well as the professional checks, I get my mate Liz to check them on a more regular basis, as they are so difficult to see yourself. Liz just keeps an eye out for any changes in appearance to the moles. It only takes a few minutes to do, it's so quick and easy that it can be done when you're getting ready for a girly night out"

Mike Brown, Boots scientific suncare adviser, suggests people ask their Mole Mate to check their moles for them every few months.

They should seek prompt medical advice from their GP if they spot any of the following four signs, especially if all four are present:

• Steady growth




• Uneven dark colour or darkening in colour




• Irregular, often changing outline




• Large size of a quarter of an inch or more across

Each of the above is very important, but particularly if there are also any of the following:

• Persistent itching




• Constant bleeding or scabbing




• A red surround

Liz and Natasha have been busy since the band split in 2004. Liz is flying high after winning the BBC's Celebrity Master-chef and Natasha is due to release a solo single, Round and Round, later in the year.