Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Key Signs Your Mole Could Be Cancerous

Tag Archives: Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Mole on BackWith May being Skin Cancer Awareness Month, it’s a great time to prioritize skin health and learn how early detection can save lives. While most moles are harmless, some can signal a dangerous skin cancer like melanoma. Recognizing the warning signs is one of the most effective steps toward prevention and early diagnosis.

What Is a Mole?

Moles (also known as nevi) are small, clusters of pigmented skin cells. They can be flat or raised, and range in color from light pink to dark brown or black. Most are usually harmless, but some can signal something very serious and should not be ignored.

The ABCDEs of Melanoma: Five Warning Signs of a Cancerous Mole

To help identify the warning signs of skin cancer, dermatology providers rely on the ABCDEs. It’s a simple but effective checklist to evaluate moles. Here’s what to look for:

A – Asymmetry: One half does not match the other

B – Border: The edges are irregular, blurred, or poorly defined

C – Color: Multiple colors or uneven shades

D – Diameter: Larger than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser), though smaller melanomas are possible

E – Evolving: Changes in size, shape, or color

Other Things to be Aware of

  • New moles appearing after age 30
  • Rapid changes to an existing mole
  • Itching, tenderness, or bleeding
  • A mole that stands out or looks noticeably different from the rest (referred to as the “ugly duckling” sign)

Who’s at Higher Risk?

Some people are more vulnerable to skin cancer and should have regular skin examinations, especially if they have:

  • Fair skin, light eyes, or light hair
  • History of sunburns or tanning bed use
  • Family or personal history of skin cancer
  • A large number of moles or atypical (dysplastic) moles

Why Early Detection Saves Lives

Melanoma, while serious, is highly treatable when caught early. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the 5-year survival rate for early-stage melanoma is 99%. That’s why regular self-exams and yearly professional skin examinations are so important.

How to Perform a Self-Skin Exam

Once a month, use a mirror or ask a partner to help you check out the following areas:

  • Scalp
  • Back and buttocks
  • Soles of feet and between toes
  • Underarms and behind ears

Take note of any new or changing spots. When in doubt, get it checked out.

Don’t Ignore Suspicious Moles – Schedule an Appointment Today!

This Skin Cancer Awareness Month, take a moment to check your skin. If you notice anything unusual, don’t wait. A changing mole could be an early warning sign. Schedule a full body skin examination at the Neiman Dermatology Building to get the expert care and peace of mind you deserve.

Source: The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), Skin Cancer Foundation

With this month being Skin Cancer Awareness Month, it’s important to emphasize the significance of protecting your skin and getting an annual skin examination. It is estimated that over three million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer every year. That means roughly one in five people in the U.S. will develop some form of skin cancer in their lifetime.

So, what can you do to take care of your skin and reduce the risk of skin cancer? Here are some tips from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) on how to do just that:

• Seek shade (when appropriate). Keep in mind that the sun’s harmful UV rays are most prevalent from 10am-2pm.
• Wear sun-protective clothing. Clothes that cover exposed areas of skin are ideal (ex. a long-sleeved shirt, pants, wide-brimmed hat).
• Apply sunscreen. Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant one with an SPF of at least 30.

Since skin cancer is highly treatable when caught early, we encourage our patients to get their skin examined at least once a year. Whereas patients with a history of concerning lesions are seen more regularly. When conducting a skin cancer examination, we adhere to the ABCDEs of melanoma. They are as follows:

Skin Cancer Screening

A = Asymmetry. In early forms, malignant melanomas are asymmetrical, meaning that you cannot draw a line down the middle and have equal parts on each side.
B = Border. Uneven borders with irregularities or blurs.
C = Color. Varying shades of brown, blue, or black.
D = Diameter. Melanoma tends to be larger than normal moles, ones the size of a pencil eraser are something that you should look at closely.
E = Evolving. Any changes in the size, shape, color, or feel.

As you can see, there are some ways to reduce your risk of skin cancer. And even for those diagnosed with it, there is hope, but early detection is crucial. If you notice a suspicious spot, or would just like to have your skin evaluated, contact our office today.

Source(s): aad.org, skincancer.org