As May marks both Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month and the beginning of summer weather, it is the perfect time to be reminded of the importance of sun safety and to embrace lifestyle changes that contribute to long-term skin health. Melanoma can develop in weeks, months or years. It can appear as a new mole or freckle-like spot on the skin, or develop in an existing mole. This is why it is important to regularly conduct a self skin cancer examination. Early detection significantly reduces your risk of skin cancer and can be a true life saver!
Perform a monthly skin exam following the “A B C D E F G” warning signs. If this self check raises any concerns, it is important to reach out to your health care provider for further investigation.
- Asymmetry – is the mole irregularly shaped?
- Borders – are the borders/edges uneven?
- Color – is the mole multi-colored?
- Diameter – is the mole larger than 6 mm?
- Evolution – has the mole changed over time?
- Firm – is the mole harder than the surrounding skin?
- Growing – is the mole gradually getting longer?
Source: Save your Skin Foundation
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