The ABCD’s of Melanoma
May is Melanoma Awareness Month. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and anyone is susceptible to developing it. It is our duty to help increase awareness of the importance of the prevention, early detection and treatment of skin cancer.
Each year, approximately two million people in the United States are diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer, with the majority being either basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas. In addition, melanoma has tripled over the past three decades and is currently one of the top 10 causes of new cancer cases.
We encourage everyone to be aware of the four warning signs for keeping skin healthy:
• A for Asymmetry – if one half of a mole is different than the other half
• B for Border Irregularity – if the mole’s edges are uneven, blurred or notched
• C for Color – if the mole’s color is uneven and has shades of black or brown
• D for Diameter – if the mole’s diameter is greater than 6 milimeters
“It is important to pay attention to your skin so it’s easier to recognize changes that may need to be examined,” said George Keough, MD. “A sudden or continuous change (including any of the ABCD’s) in the appearance of a mole is a sign to contact a dermatologist immediately.”
During the upcoming summer months, stay in the shade and do not go in the sun without SPF 30 or higher, with both UVA and UVB protection. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions regarding skin cancer or protection.
