We’re entering the dog days of summer, and many of us are enjoying more time in the sun. However, especially as we age, our skin is sensitive to the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays and spots on our body can turn cancerous.
The American Academy of Dermatology says that skin cancer is the most common form of the disease in the United States, but when it is spotted early, melanoma is highly treatable.
Part of your prevention plan should be to visit a dermatologist annually, but you — along with the aid of a partner — can perform regular self-exams to be on the lookout for anything suspicious.
Hammonton Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing wants to you take a look at this brochure so you can be a skin cancer hero!
Perform Regular Exams
These exams can be performed by yourself, but it’s easier if you and a partner can work together to check spots that may be hard to see on yourself.
- Check the front and back of your body.
- Look carefully at the forearms, underarms, and palms.
- Check the back of the neck and scalp. Part hair if need be.
- Examine the back and buttocks.
- Examine the back of the legs, feet, soles, and the spaces between the toes.
Catch Suspicious Spots
The American Academy of Dermatology provides pictures on the links above of five suspicious moles, using an ABCDE scale. Be on the lookout for moles that exhibit the following warning signs:
A = Asymmetry. One half is unlike the other half.
B = Border. Irregular or poorly defined border.
C = Color. Varied color from one area to the other.
D = Diameter. Moles larger than 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser) are cause for concern.
E = Evolving. Watch for moles that change size, shape, and color.
Take Action Now
If you notice any of the above characteristics, don’t wait to get checked out. Make an appointment with a dermatologist as soon as possible.
