Melanoma Monday And How to Spot Skin Cancer

You are currently viewing Melanoma Monday And How to Spot Skin Cancer

Monday, May 5, 2014 is Melanoma Monday, designated by the American Academy of Dermatology and the Canadian Dermatology Association to raise awareness of melanoma and other types of skin cancer.  Prevention and early detection are both key to successful treatment.

Prevention focuses on practicing sun smart habits such as protecting yourself from the sun’s damaging UVA and UVB rays with a stable, broad-spectrum sunscreen, avoiding the sun during the peak hours of 10am to 4pm, and covering up when possible with protective clothing, sunglasses and hats.

To make early detection easier, simply remember your ABC’s:

 

A = Asymmetry
One half is unlike the other half.

 

B = Border
An irregular, scalloped or poorly defined border.

b-border

 

 

 

 

 

C = Color
Is varied from one area to another; has shades of tan, brown or black, or is sometimes white, red, or blue.

c-color

 

 

 

 

 

D = Diameter
Melanomas are usually greater than 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed, but they can be smaller.

d-diameter

 

 

 

 

 

E = Evolving
A mole or skin lesion that looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape or color.

e-evolving

 

 

 

 

 

Help spread the word about sun safety and melanoma.  And if you see a spot? Check it out.

 

 

 

Leave a Reply