Melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer and can be deadly if not caught early. Early detection and treatment reduces the chances skin cancer developing into Melanoma. Here are some helpful guidelines set by the American Cancer Society that can help in the early detection of skin cancer. These are called the “ABCDE’s of Melanoma” and each letter stands for an aspect of a mole, sore or spot that should be observed:
A = Asymmetry. Does it have an irregular shape?
B = Borders. Melanomas usually have irregular borders that are not so easy to define.
C = Color. Melanoma lesions usually have more than one color, in an uneven distribution.
D = Diameter. Cancerous lesions are mostly larger than 6mm in diameter.
E = Evolution. This is the most important feature to pay attention to: is the mole changing in size, shape or color?
Although the early detection is very important, the prevention is even more. In the case of melanoma, the sunlight exposure is one of the strongest risk factors. It’s important to protect from UV rays every day, and not only on sunny days. It’s important to know that even when it’s cloudy, the UV rays are able to reach the skin and cause damage. Although sun exposure is essential for the health, the timing of exposure is also important. You should avoid the sun during the hours when the UV rays exposure is higher which are from 10 am to 4 pm (and midday is usually the highest point).
Some important daily measures to reduce the exposure to UV light are:
- Stay in shade
- Wear clothes that cover arms and legs, and also a hat.
- Wear sunglasses that protect from UVA and UVB rays
- Avoid indoor tanning booths
- Use a sunscreen that protects from both UVA and UVB rays, with at least SPF 15 every time you expose yourself to the sunlight.
Although these measures should be taken by anyone, they are essential for people who are more likely to get develop skin cancer such as people with light skin, history of cancer in the family and/or history of sunburns.
We recommend annual skin exams to help keep your skin looking its best, contact our office today to schedule yours!