By Tanise Edwards, M.D.So, how well do you know the skin you're in? Being more than just a little familiar may help protect you from melanoma — the most serious form of skin cancer.
Melanoma can be deadly, but it's also highly curable when found early. In fact, the five-year survival rate for this type of cancer — before it has spread — is about 98 percent.
Catch it early!
Often, the first sign of melanoma is a change in an existing mole. When checking moles, freckles and other marks, here are the warning signs you're looking for:
A is for asymmetry — the two halves of a mole don't look the same.
B is for borders — the edges are irregular or look ragged.
C is for color — there's a mix of shades or colors.
D is for diameter — it's more than 6 millimeters, about ¼ inch, across.
E is for evolving — a mole or spot has been changing over the past weeks or months, in size or color, for example.
A few self-check tips
Try to make checking your skin a habit — some experts say you should aim for about once a month. Do your checks in a well-lit room. Use a full-length mirror, as well as a hand-held one for hard-to-see areas, such as your back. You might also want to ask a family member or friend for help.
Look everywhere, including the soles of your feet and between your toes. And, don't forget your scalp and genital area. Seeing all your skin is important.
Alert your doctor to any of the warning signs above — as well as other possible signs of skin cancer. Those include new growths or slow-healing sores — as well as any mole that bleeds, oozes, itches, flakes or that reappears after being removed.
These signs don't always mean it's cancer. But, your doctor should still check any skin changes.
Defend your skin
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