Because it can spread quickly, melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. It can be deadly. But it doesn’t have to be. You can take steps to protect yourself and detect this skin cancer before it makes its move.
PROTECT YOUR SKIN
Sunscreen is an equal-opportunity provider. It doesn’t matter the color of your skin and it doesn’t matter how easily you tan. You still need it to protect yourself. In our store, you can find a wide array of sunscreens. Each carries a sun protection factor (SPF). The higher the SPF, the more you are protected from skin damage and skin cancer. Also look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen. That’s one that protects against both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B—rays that can increase your chances of skin cancer. If you have questions about any of this, be sure to check in with me.
KNOW THE SIGNS
Here’s an easy way to remember what to look for—the ABCDEs of melanoma:
- One-half the mole is different from the other half.
- The edges are poorly defined, irregular, or scalloped.
- The color varies from one area to another. It might be white, red, or blue. Or it might have shades of tan, brown, or black.
- When first diagnosed, melanoma is often larger than the size of a pencil eraser.
- Moles or skin lesions often look different from other moles. Or they may be changing in size, shape, or color.
Skin cancer may show up in other ways, too:
- A slowly growing thick patch of skin that looks like a scar.
- You might have spots that are bleeding, painful, or itchy.
- Or you might have a band of dark skin around a toenail or fingernail or a dark streak under a nail.
Do you find it hard to keep track of skin changes like these? Try using the Body Mole Map.
EXAMINE YOUR SKIN
Look for warning signs of melanoma. Check all areas of your body. So you don’t miss any areas, try to check in the same order each time. Look in a mirror and check your front, back, and sides. Check forearms, underarms, palms, legs, and feet. Don’t miss the soles and the spaces between your toes. Use a hand mirror to check areas you can’t otherwise see, like your scalp, and the back of your neck.
SEE YOUR DOCTOR
If you have any of signs of melanoma or other skin cancer, do not wait. See a dermatologist right away. This special skin doctor is best trained in diagnosing skin cancer.
Nothing herein constitutes medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, or is a substitute for professional advice. You should always seek the advice of your physician or other medical professional if you have questions or concerns about a medical condition.