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THE ABCDE OF SKIN CANCER

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The Skin Cancer Foundation.

Protecting Yourself

ACT SHADY. Stay in shaded areas when possible, especially between the hours of 10am and 4pm.

GO UNDERCOVER. If you know you will be in a situation with no shade, cover up. A broadbrimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses will shield your

THE UGLY DUCKLING:

The moles on your body usually resemble those surrounding them. If any certain mole stands out or looks di erent, it’s the ugly duckling. This may be a dark mole in a sea of lighter moles; the point is the noticeable di erence in appearance. If you find an ugly duckling mole with any of the ABCDEs, you should immediately be examined by your physician.

face—a prominent area prone to sun exposure. If you can stand it, wear a loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirt.

SCREEN ME. Use a broadspectrum sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher every day. Beach days require a broadspectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher. Apply two tablespoons of sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours when swimming or excessive sweating, and don’t be stingy with the coverage.

LOOK CLOSELY. Examine your skin from head-to-toe each month. Keep a careful eye out for new moles or growths and any existing growths that begin to grow or change significantly in any way. A visit to your physician once every year for a professional exam is also necessary.

Asymmetry

A benign mole is symmetrical. If you draw a line through a malignant mole, however, the two sides will not match, a warning sign for melanoma.

Border

The border of a benign mole is smooth, whereas the border of an early melanoma tends to be irregular.

Color

A melanoma is not typically one solid color. Several di erent shades of brown, tan or black could appear. Some patients have even noticed patches of red, white or blue.

Diameter

Malignant moles are often larger than those that are benign. They are, however, sometimes smaller when they are first detected.

Evolving

New symptoms (such as a change in shape, color or elevation; bleeding; itching or crusting) all point to danger.

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