Skin Cancer Screening: Save Your Life

Dec. 14, 2009 - PRLog -- Cancer deaths due to skin cancer can be easily prevented and treated if one is vigilant about being aware of your skin and checking in with your doctor. At a minimum it is important to schedule an annual skin exam with your regular health care provider or with your dermatologist. Doctor’s Approach recommends scheduling that screening for every year on your birthday, so you won’t forget it.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using “ABCDE” visual scanning.

A stands for ASYMMETRY; one half unlike the other half
B stands for BORDER; irregular, scalloped or poorly defined border
C stands for COLOR; varied from one area to another; shades of tan and brown, black; sometimes white, red or blue
D stands for DIAMETER; while melanomas are usually greater than 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed, they can be smaller
E stands for EVOLVING; a mole or skin lesion that looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape, or color

During your annual visit, your dermatologist will use ABCDE to examine your upper body, ears, legs and feet for suspicious growths. Make sure you are doing your part by paying attention to any changes in your moles or skin tags on a monthly basis. Taking just five minutes to examine the palms of your hands, the soles of your feet, and the skin in between your fingers and toes for new growths could be a real lifesaver.

Also be on the lookout for changes in the size or shape of moles or freckles. Be sure to point them out to your dermatologist during your visit. It is important to remember that not all atypical moles are a sign of skin cancer, but the best way to be sure is to get anything that looks the least bit suspicious checked out by your physician. He or she may want to do a biopsy to take a sample of anything that might look precancerous or cancerous, and examine it for abnormal or cancerous cells. Never assume that a new spot or mole is nothing. It is always a good idea to get a medical professional’s opinion.

The best tool for prevention of skin cancer is sunscreen. Use a product that has an SPF of 15 on all your exposed skin. Pick up a lip balm that has sunscreen in it too, in order to protect your lips.

Most importantly, become self-aware regarding changes in your body and your skin. Take time to carefully examine your body for any changes you see in your skin. If you see any new spots or moles, report them to your physician right away. In the meantime, do everything you can to protect your skin from the harmful burning ultraviolet rays of the sun, no matter what the season.

To learn more, visit Doctor's Approach on the web at http://daderm.com/.

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About Doctor’s Approach Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center: Doctor’s Approach is a full-service medical and surgical dermatology clinic with a cosmetic medical spa. Our dermatology practice has been well established and respected for over 15 years, with patients visiting from all over the Midwest region. Our mission is to provide the best in cutting edge, comprehensive care and services in a relaxing and nurturing environment. Visit us on the web at http://daderm.com/.