Approximately 10,000 Americas die from melanoma every year. That means about 1 person every hour. And it's not only very sad, but also unnecessary
Yes, I did say "unnecessary"... because there is no cancer easier to detect early than skin cancer, because it’s in plain sight… it just needs to be looked for. And when any skin cancer is detected early enough, it’s 100% curable.
Of course you should be getting an annual exam from your dermatologist, but the real hero here can be you. That’s because you may be able to detect a precancer and even an early cancer by doing a self-exam every month.
Just look for the A B C D E signs to find precancerous moles and melanoma early.
A… is for Asymmetry
If you draw a line through this mole, the two halves will not match each other as they do with normal moles.
B… is for Border
The borders of a precancerous mole and early melanoma tend to be uneven. The edges may be scalloped or notched.
C… is for Color
Having a variety of colors is another warning signal. A number of different shades of brown, tan or black can appear in precancerous moles and melanomas. A melanoma may also become red, blue or other colors.
D… is for Diameter
Precancerous moles and Melanomas can be any size, but when moles are larger in diameter than the size of the eraser on your pencil, they are even more likely to be precancerous, or, already an early melanoma.
And E… is for Evolving
Any change — in size, shape, color, elevation, or another traits, or any new symptom such as bleeding, itching or crusting — points to potential danger.
So if you find any of the ABCDE signs in any spot on your body, make a prompt appointment to see a dermatologist. That’s how you can beat melanoma cancer and never become an unnecessary statistic.
Email
Twitter
Facebook
