May is Melanoma Awareness month.
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, when melanoma is caught early, there’s a 5-year survival rate of about 97%. Once the cancer spreads to other organs, the survival rate drops to 15–20%.
You should monitor moles and any new spots on your skin regularly.
- Remember your ABC’s to check for possible signs and symptoms of melanoma.
- A is for Asymmetry: One half of a mole or birthmark does not match the other.
- B is for Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.
- C is for Color: The color is not the same all over and may include different shades of brown or black, or sometimes with patches of pink, red, white, or blue.
- D is for Diameter: The spot is larger than a ¼ inch – the size of a pencil eraser.
- E is for Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.
Most importantly, see your doctor, and show them any areas of concern. For more information on Melanoma, visit skincancer.org
You can download THE MINI SKIN CANCER PREVENTION HANDBOOK here.
