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May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month—a perfect time for me to remind you to protect your skin during the summer months. The risk of acquiring most skin cancers, including melanoma, may be reduced by routinely protecting your skin from the sun.

What is melanoma? It is a deadly form of skin cancer, usually starting in a non-cancerous mole, though it may also appear where no mole existed before. Melanoma usually begins as a mottled, light brown or flat, brown blemish with irregular borders that may turn shades of red, blue or white. A changing or growing mole or a new mole should be checked promptly by a physician. The American Academy of Dermatology advises consultation with a dermatologist if moles or pigmented spots exhibit any of the following characteristics. Just remember A-B-C-D:
 

• A for Asymmetry: One half is unlike the other half.
• B for Border: The edge is irregular, notched or scalloped.
• C for Color: It varies from one area to another; shades of tan and brown; sometimes white, red or blue.
• D for Diameter: It is usually larger than a pencil eraser (greater than 6mm in diameter) when diagnosed, but may be smaller. Moles that are different from others, change, itch or bleed (even if small) should be checked.

In men, melanomas are often found between the shoulders and hips, or the head and neck area.

In women, melanoma often develops on the lower legs or between the shoulders and hips.

However, melanoma can appear anywhere on the skin.

Who is at risk? Many factors may increase your risk for developing melanoma, including:
 

• Fair skin, light eyes
• Many freckles
• Severe, blistering sunburns as a child or adult
• Family history of melanoma
• History of having melanoma
• Non-cancerous, unusual looking moles
• More than 50 moles on the skin
• A weakened immune system
• Exposure to ultraviolet radiation from tanning salons and tanning beds

• Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when ultraviolet radiation levels are highest.
• Use sun block (SPF 30, and reapply every two hours).
• Wear a hat, protective clothing and sunglasses.
• Don’t go to tanning salons.

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Last Update:  April 3, 2008