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Keeping an eye on your skin can save your life
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., but it is also one of the most preventable. The easiest means of prevention is observation and checking your skin on a regular basis. Consider doing this monthly. Pick a day, perhaps the first day of the month or the monthly anniversary of your birthday or simply set a monthly reminder on your phone.
No matter how you remind yourself, check your skin from head to toe and look for changes. Start by using the “ABCDEF” method to check moles or other spots on your skin:
Asymmetry - Is there a mole or spot that is not shaped symmetrically?
Border - Is the border of a mole or spot irregular, notched, or blurred?
Color - Is a mole or spot not uniform in color or have different shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue?
Diameter - Is the mole or spot larger than the size of a pencil eraser?
Elevation – Has the mole or spot changed from being flat to being raised?
Feeling – Has the mole or spot begun to burn, itch, or become tender?
If you notice any changes, be sure to follow up with a dermatologist immediately.
Finally, skin cancer prevention should also include using sunscreen daily whenever outside (even during the winter) and annual checkups with a dermatologist who can quickly spot changes.
For more information go to www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer.
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