Phaedra Connolly, RFS is a licensed Medical Esthetician with Associates in Dermatology in Orlando, Florida. She specializes in the prevention and treatment of skin cancer, acne and anti-aging. She graduated valedictorian in her class at the Florida College of Natural Health.
Melanoma is the most deadly of all skin cancers. In fact, this year 46,000 new cases will be diagnosed and 7,700 Americans will die from melanoma.
But being aware of the warning signs of melanoma could help you to recognize this potentially deadly cancer. Your trusted and trained esthetician will be on the lookout for these warning signs, but you see yourself every day. If you have a lesion that falls into any of the following categories, make an appointment with your dermatologist for an exam as soon as possible.
A = Asymmetry – Test your mole for asymmetry by drawing an imaginary line down the middle. Do the two halves match? Ordinary moles are usually round and symmetrical, while most early melanomas are asymmetrical.
B = Border – Ordinary moles are round or oval and have well defined, smooth, even borders. Melanomas often have ragged, uneven, or notched borders. Also, spreading of pigment (color) from the border of the mole into surrounding skin is a warning sign of melanoma.
C = Color – Ordinary moles are usually one color throughout and are usually brown, tan or flesh-colored. Melanomas may have several colors (black, brown, red, white, blue) or an irregular pattern of colors.
D = Diameter – Moles can be many different sizes, but ordinary moles are generally less than 1/4 inch (6 millimeters) in diameter, which is the diameter of a pencil eraser. Melanomas may be as small as 1/8 inch, but are often larger.
E = Enlargement/Evolving – Ordinary moles usually do not change over time. A mole that suddenly grows in size or rapidly becomes elevated is suspicious for melanoma.
Now that you know what to look for, here are some suggestions to protect yourself from skin cancer.
• Avoid the sun and/or seek shade between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are at their strongest.
• Cover up by wearing light colored, tightly woven clothes that cover well.
• Wear a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses.
• Use a quality, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 – and reapply at least every two hours. Clouds do not screen out the damaging rays of the sun.
• Do a monthly self-exam to check for unusual marks or changes in your skin.
• Get a regular exam from a board certified dermatologist – once a year if you’ve never had a skin cancer and more often if you have.
The sunny days of summertime are approaching quickly. What do you do to protect yourself? Do you have any favorite sun protection products?
