Skin Cancer Awareness Alphabet

Skin Cancer Awareness Alphabet

See a New, Changing, or Unusual Spot?

Make an appointment with one of our Board-Certified Dermatologists to get it checked out. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and a good reminder to perform regular self skin checks and practice sun safety. With 1 in 5 Americans developing skin cancer, it is the most common form of cancer, and also the one you can SEE.

Check Your Skin for Spots Regularly

Examine all of your skin in a full length mirror, look for any new or changing spots. Learn the ABCDEs of melanoma to know the concerning features of potentially harmful moles.

ABCDEs of Melanoma

A = Asymmetry: 1/2 is different than the other 1/2
B = Border: irregular, notched, or poorly defined borders
C = Color: a variable mixture of colors such as brown, black, red, white or blue
D = Diameter: anything over 6 mm or the diameter of a pencil eraser
E = Evolving or any change: a spot changing in color, shape, size or an “ugly duckling” that looks different than your other spots. 20-30% of melanomas are found in moles that change. The remaining 70-80% of melanomas develop as new spots on normal skin where there never was a mole.

Preparing for Summer

As the days warm, and the coronavirus pandemic leads many to seek fresh air outside, our exposure to the sun’s damaging rays increases. Ultraviolet light (UV) exposure is the main cause and most preventable risk factor for skin cancer. To reduce your risk of skin cancer:

  1. Seek the shade
  2. Wear sun protective clothing and wide brimmed hats
  3. Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily to sun exposed areas.

Use Sunscreen

We have a wide assortment of excellent sunscreen options available in the office as well as individual samples sachets to help you find your favorite. We are happy to provide curbside pick up and shipping to your doorstep.

Fortunately, skin cancer is highly treatable if caught early. If left untreated, it can be disfiguring and deadly. Skin cancer is the cancer you can SEE. SEE a spot? CHECK IT OUT.

Request An Appointment

Contact our office by filling out the form or calling the number below to speak with a member of our team to schedule an appointment.

(314) 344-0004








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