07/24/2015

The ABCDEs of Skin Cancer

The three most important letters for skin cancer prevention are SPF. It’s important to protect your skin from the sun with broad- spectrum sunscreen that has an SPF of 15 or above. Wide brimmed hats and long-sleeves are also good measures, especially during the mid-afternoon when the sun is most intense.

Everyone, even the most diligent sunscreen users, should add regular skin checks to their skincare routine.

Use the ABCDEs to help you recognize the signs.

A = ASYMMETRY

Is half of the mole different than the other half?

B = BORDER IRREGULARITY

Are the edges of the mole uneven or blurred?

C = COLOR

Is the mole’s color uneven with shades of brown, black or tan?

D = DIAMETER

Is the mole larger than 6 millimeters across?

E = EVOLVING

Is the mole changing in size, shape, or color?

A new growth that looks different than your other moles is another warning sign to watch for.

Be safe in the sun!