preventions
Know Your ABCDE’s
Recognize the warning signs for malignant melanoma by using this easy–to-remember guide:
A - Asymmetry. Beware of moles where one half doesn’t match the other half in shape.
B - Border. Watch for moles with ragged, blurred or irregular borders or edges.
C - Color. Look for uneven coloration, more than one color, or moles with unusual colors.
D - Diameter. Give special attention to moles with a diameter larger than the size of a pencil eraser.
E - Evolving = Change. If the color, borders, or overall shape of a mole is evolving or changing, this is another potentially worrisome feature.
This is important, so let’s look at it again with pictures from the American Academy of Dermatology website.
ABCDs of Melanoma:
Created to help people recognize the warning signs of melanoma, the most lethal form of skin cancer. The ABCDs are:
Asymmetry
One side does not look like the other side.
Border irregular
The edges are ragged or uneven.
Color varies
More than one color is present. Melanoma may include streaks of tan, brown, black, red, blue and white.
Diameter larger
It is larger than the size of a pencil eraser (6 millimeters) or has changed shape.
MIND THESE ABCDs
They may save a life.
If a spot on your skin looks funky, especially if it is changing, don’t hesitate. We will get you in to check it out. Especially if you have a history of any type of skin cancer. Just call us and explain why you need to be seen.
It is very important for us Coloradans to be sun protected, as our risk for skin cancers is much higher than for people living at lower elevations.
- For every 1000 feet of elevation there is a 4% increase in Ultra-Violet (UV) ray exposure, as less is absorbed by the atmosphere. That means that we Coloradans have significantly more exposure than do our friends who live at sea level.
- Fresh snow reflects 80% of these UV rays increasing our exposure even more.
- ONE exposure to the sun causing burning and/or blistering increases your chance of developing skin cancer by as much as 50%.
- Never go to tanning booths. UVA rays, those typically found in tanning booths, have been shown to cause significant cell damage associated with skin cancer.
Studies have shown that sunburns and excessive sun exposure may increase a person’s risk for the skin cancer, so the American Academy of Dermatology and Drs. Cohen and Szabo recommend:
- Avoid being in the sun during its peak hours between 10:00a.m.thru 4:00p.m.
- Protect yourself while in the sun
1) Broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF of at least 15
• Re-apply every 2 hours while exercising or sweating
• Apply an appropriate amount
2)
Wear light weight long-sleeved shirts and long pants even in the summer
3) Sunglasses
4) Broad brim hat
Related Links:
AAD Pamphlet on Moles
Sun Safety
Literature now shows that the ultraviolet radiation from the sun leads to significant damage to our skin. This can be seen as wrinkling, unsightly spots, and skin cancers.
Skin cancer is the MOST COMMON and FASTEST GROWING cancer in the United States with more than 1 million new cases diagnosed each year. Basically 1 in 5 Americans will develop a skin cancer over their lifetime. Of those 1 million yearly cases, approximately 88,000 will be Melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer.
The good news is that Skin Cancer can be cured if detected early. More importantly, Skin Cancer can be prevented with just a few sun-safety tips:
- Avoid being in the sun during peak hours—basically between 10:00a.m. and 4:00p.m.
- If you must be in the sun, be prepared to prevent skin cancers.
1) Wear protective clothing
2) Broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 15+
3) Sunglasses
4) Broad brim hat
Remember, one exposure to the sun causing burning and/or blistering increases your chance of developing skin cancer by as much as 50%.
Related Links:
Sun Safety for Kids
The Sun and Your Skin
Ultraviolet Index: What you need to know
Sun Screen 101
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