The most common types of skin cancer are basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma, which tend to result from years of prolonged exposure to the sun. Melanoma is a rare, but more dangerous form of skin cancer and it is more likely to spread to other parts of the body.
To detect skin cancer early, examine your skin all over your body and watch for changes over time. By checking your skin regularly, you’ll discover what is normal for you.
The best time to check your skin is after a shower or bath. Use a full-length mirror and a hand-held mirror in a room with plenty of light. Check yourself from head to toe and learn where your moles are and their usual look and feel.
Malignant moles can vary in appearance. Keep in mind the ABCDE’s when checking your moles:
Asymmetrical Shape: Look for moles with irregular shapes
Border: Look for moles with uneven, ragged or blurred borders
Color Changes: Look for growths that have many colors (brown, black, tan and sometimes patches of red, blue or white) and an uneven distribution of color
Diameter: Look for growths larger than ¼ inch (the size of a pencil eraser)
Evolving: Look for a mole or skin lesion that looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape or color
To find a doctor or schedule an appointment visit Steward DoctorFinder™ or call 1-800-488-5959.
To find a doctor or schedule an appointment, visit Steward DoctorFinder™.
