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!