May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month - Appalachian Spring Dermatology

Did you know May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month? Of course, every day and month is dedicated to skin cancer awareness when you are a dermatologist.

Why do we need to be more aware? Here are a few statistics.

One in five Americans will have skin cancer at some time in their life.

One in forty Americans will have a melanoma, the life-threatening type of skin cancer.

As with all skin cancers, the most important part is early detection and prevention.

Early Detection:

–Check your skin once a month. For tips on how to do a skin cancer exam, check out the links below.

–Take some pictures. Before digital cameras, we encouraged patients to keep a map or skin diagram of their moles. However, a digital photograph is much more accurate. If you are concerned about a spot, take a picture as soon as you notice it and bring it into the office. If you can, put a ruler beside the spot in the picture for size reference.

–See a dermatologist once a year for a skin examination. Be sure to bring your diagram, list, or pictures of spots about which you are concerned. Dr. Rosenberger will use a dermatoscope to give you a thorough examination.

Prevention:

-Use Sunscreen. Preferably daily on any exposed areas. Dr. Rosenberger recommends one with Zinc Oxide and water resistance.

–Wear Sun Protective Clothing and Hats. These are a lot easier than sunscreen for the trunk and head. Dr. Rosenberger likes a line called Coolibar and can be seen wearing their clothes everywhere- beach, picnics, parties, gardening and more.

–Avoid Tanning Beds. Tanning beds are never safe. Use a sunless tanner instead.

Know the Warning Signs:

-Anything that is growing, bleeding, tender, or not healing. Dr. Rosenberger usually uses three months as a good rule. If something is changing significantly or not healing within three months, see a dermatologist. This is the best rule for the most common types of skin cancer: Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

–ABCDE’s of Melanoma. Asymmetry, Irregular Border, Multiple Colors, Diameter of a pencil eraser, or Evolving/Changing rapidly. I would add to this list something that is behaving much differently than other spots. Also, something new. Only 20% of Melanomas occur in a spot that has been there for a while. Usually, it is a new spot that grows and begins to exhibit the ABCDEs.

Here are some photos of what skin cancer CAN look like, but for any spot that concerns you, see us right away.

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