August 9, 2017

The ABCDE’s of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is prominent in the United States, and we know the main cause is sun exposure. But do you know how to determine whether a mole or birthmark is likely cancerous? Learn the ABCDE’s of skin cancer to help determine when to see your doctor:

A= Asymmetry (one half looks different than the other)

B= Borders (irregularly shaped edges)

C= Color (look for changes in color or varying colors within the same growth)

D= Diameter (If it’s diameter is bigger than a pencil eraser, show your doctor.)

E= Evolving (Changing: If the size, shape, color, etc. changes, see your doctor. Also look for changes in symptoms such as itchiness, tenderness, bleeding, etc.)

See your doctor if you have a mole or birthmark that meets any of these criteria, or if you’re not sure. It is better to check with a physician than to ignore it, and your doctor will make note of the characteristics of the spot in question to follow up on during future visits. For more information on skin care and again, visit the National Institute on Aging at https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/skin-care-and-aging.