A lot of older people were brought up in a time where you didn't go to the doctors unless your leg had just fallen off or you were at death's door. The idea is that they are somehow "failing" because they needed to seek help, that they are wasting resources that others need more. I think this idea came from the two wars and their aftermath, when it was probably a noble way to go about things. It's not the case anymore, you must use what's there for you, there are no prizes for being stoic about it. The doctors would probably consider you more of a pain in the backside if it turned out they could have sorted you out much quicker and easier if you'd come in three months ago. Point out to your Mum how she has paid her stamps all these years so she is more than entitled to use the services she has paid for. Having a mole removed is nothing, the doctor might even say it doesn't need to be removed (as they did for my weird bobbly "rice crispy" sized moles). If there is something wrong, like everyone says, getting it early is the key thing. If I were in your position Tom I expect I'd be crying and begging her. I figure she's scared of the doctor but I doubt she's as scared as you are of her getting ill. Good luck in convincing her.