Cases of melanoma are on the rise and have doubled in the last 35 years. 100,000 Americans are diagnosed with melanoma every year. 3% of all cancers are melanoma and white patients are 20x more likely to develop melanoma.
The ABCDEs of Melanoma
- A – Asymmetry – one half is unlike the other half.
- B – Border – Irregular, scalloped or poorly defined border.
- C – Color – Varied from one area to another, has shades of tan, brown, or black: sometimes white, red, or blue.
- D – Diameter – Typically greater than 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed but can be smaller.
- E – Evolving – A mole or skin lesion that looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape, or color.
Early detection is critical as is the use of sunscreen.
For more information on the importance of sunscreen, click here.