May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Early detection is key! A simple check can save your life. Take a few minutes once a month to look for new moles or changes on your skin. The "ABCDE rule of melanoma" can help you identify early signs of melanoma in moles. If you notice any significant changes, talk with your health care provider right away.
Asymmetry: The shape of one half of the mole does not match the other half.
Border: An irregular border or edges that are ragged, notched, or blurred. The pigment may spread into the surrounding skin.
Color: Uneven colors and shades of black, brown, and tan may be present. Areas of white, gray, red, pink, or blue may also appear.
Diameter: There is a change in size, usually an increase in size. Melanoma can be tiny, but most are larger than 6 millimeters wide (about 1/4 inch wide or the size of a pencil eraser).
Evolving: The mole has changed over the past few weeks or months.
_________________________________
Protection from UV rays is important year-round, not just in the summer. UV rays can reach you even on cloudy and cool days. UV rays can reflect off surfaces like water, cement, sand, and snow and are strongest from 10 AM to 4 PM. Always wear sunscreen when going outdoors even on cloudy days.
