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Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Yearly Skin Exams and the ABCs of Moles

skin cancer exams

Did you know May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month? It is a good time to learn how to check for and prevent the disease to commemorate this special time of the year. Despite being preventable, it remains the most prevalent type of cancer. Taking measures to prevent and detect skin cancer early is crucial.

 

Yearly Skin Exams: Why They Are Important

 

One of the most effective ways to detect skin cancer early is through yearly skin exams. During the exam, your dermatologist meticulously examines your skin from head to toe. Here, they look for unusual moles, growths, or potentially cancerous spots. This can help catch skin cancer in its earliest stages, when it is most treatable.

 

Why Get Tested for Skin Cancer?

 

It is imperative that you get an annual skin exam. It is especially important if you have a lot of moles or freckles, or if you have a history of skin cancer. Schedule an appointment with your dermatologist if you notice skin changes. Examples of these changes include a new mole, a mole that changes in size or color, or a sore that does not heal.

 

The ABCs of Moles: What to Look For

 

Besides getting a yearly skin exam, keeping a close eye on your moles is crucial. Be keen on any changes that could signal skin cancer. To help you remember what to look for, dermatologists use the ABCDE rule:
 

  • A = Asymmetry: When one half of the mole does not match the other, it could be a sign of skin cancer.

  • B = Border: When the edges of the mole are ragged or blurred, it could be a sign of skin cancer.

  • C = Color: A mole with different colors or shades could indicate skin cancer. Examples include brown, black, or red.

  • D = Diameter: When the mole is larger than a pencil eraser's size, it could be a sign of skin cancer.

  • E = Evolving: If the mole's size, shape, or color changes, it could indicate skin cancer.


See your dermatologist immediately if you notice any of these in your mole. Do so if you develop a new mole that looks different from your other moles.

 

Skin Cancer Prevention: How to Protect Your Skin

 

Detecting skin cancer early is vital but preventing it from developing in the first place is even better. Here is how you can do it:
 

  • Seek Shade: Stick to the shades, especially during the sun's peak hours.

  • Wear Sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF. Apply it generously to all exposed skin and reapply every two to three hours or after sweating or swimming.

  • Avoid Tanning Beds: They emit harmful levels of UV radiation. This increases your risk of skin cancer.

  • Avoid Certain Medications: Certain medications can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays. These include antibiotics and some antidepressants.


For more on skin cancer exams and the ABCs of moles, visit Green Dermatology & Cosmetic Center at our office in Deerfield Beach, Florida. Call 954-799-9600 to book an appointment today.

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