Healthy Monday – Skin Cancer and Melanoma
Your skin is your biggest organ, and it is at risk for dangerous skin cancer or melanoma. Inspect your skin often, and visit your doctor or dermatologist with any concerns.
Warning Signs:
· Changes in the surface of a mole.
· Scaliness, oozing, bleeding, or the appearance of a new bump.
· Spread of pigment from the border of a mole into the surrounding skin.
· Change in sensation during itchiness, tenderness or pain.
The ABCDE’s of Melanoma:
· Asymmetry – One half does not match the other in size, shape, color, or thickness.
· Border Irregularity – Ragged, scalloped, or poorly defined edges.
· Color – The pigmentation is not uniform.
· Diameter – Melanomas are usually greater than 6mm when diagnosed, but can be smaller.
· Evolution-There is a change in the size, shape, symptoms (such as itching or tenderness), surface (especially bleeding), or color of a mole.
Tips for Protection:
· Stay in the shade between the hours of 10am and 4pm.
· Wear sunglasses, UV hats and clothing.
· Do not allow yourself to burn!
· Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths.
· Use a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes before going outside.
· Visit a dermatologist annually for skin cancer screening.
Brought to you by the Health and Wellness Education Center in Carter Hall.
For more information, contact Fran Fayish at x5922 or fayish@calu.edu