Protect and Prevent Skin Cancer
- Posted on: Nov 13 2019
Your risk of getting skin cancer is real. Current estimates are that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer. You can prevent and detect skin cancer by:
Prevent – Wear sunscreen, seek shade and cover up (EltaMD sunscreen products)
Detect – Look for new or changing spots on your skin
Live – Get checked on a regular basis and contact us if you spot anything changing, itching, or bleeding
The first line of defense against skin cancer starts with you. It’s important to examine your skin for signs of skin cancer and consult with us if you notice anything suspicious. These simple steps can help ensure that skin cancer is diagnosed in its earliest, most treatable stage.
What to look for when checking your spots – the ABCDEs of Melanoma
A = Asymmetry – One half is unlike the other half
B = Border – An irregular, scalloped or poorly defined border
C = Color – Is varied from one area to another; has shades of tan, brown or black, or is sometimes white, red, or blue
D = Diameter – Melanomas are usually greater than 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed, but they can be smaller
E = Evolving – A mole or skin lesion that looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape or color
Download the AAD’s Body_Mole_Map_2013 for a guide to performing a skin self-examination.
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