Early detection and treatment of skin cancer make it highly curable. Safe sun practices and self-skin exam can help prevent and detect any skin changes. If you have a personal or family history of skin cancer these are even more important. Everyone should also talk to their provider about any need for clinical screening exam with a dermatologist.

1.     Get to know your skin! Learn the patterns and sizes of your moles and marks. This helps you notice any changes. If you see something that looks different (growing, bleeding, itching etc), consult with your doctor.

2.     Know the potential signs of melanoma (the ABCDEs)

·       Asymmetry (normal moles are usually uniform in shape. Cancerous moles are usually non-uniform)

·       Border (normal moles have well defined regular borders. Cancerous lesions have borders that are typically poorly defined and irregular)

·       Color (Cancerous moles may have varying shades of brown, black, white, red, or blue)

·       Diameter – (Melanoma growths are normally larger than 6mm in diameter, which is about the diameter of a standard pencil. *** But they can be smaller.

·       Evolving – Normal moles tend to change only small amounts or stay the same. Cancerous lesions will often look different from what they looked like previously (ex. changing in size, shape, or color) or will look different from other normal moles or spots on your body.

3.     Use face sunscreen every day!… Yes, even rainy days…

4.     Use sunscreen or sun protective clothing when you are out in the sun

5.     Don’t forget your vitamin D3 supplement, even if you are getting more sunshine exposure.

6.     Eat your antioxidants – fruit, veggies, nuts, seeds, spices and healthy anti-inflammatory oils like olive oil

Remember, prevention is easier than cure. Take charge of your wellness and advocate for your skin.