Skin cancers often begin as changes to the skin, including growths that change over time. That’s why it’s important to be familiar with any growths or moles you have, know the early warning signs of skin cancer, and get checked by a physician. It is estimated that 40-50% of fair-skinned people 65 years or older develop at least one skin cancer during their lifetime. If found and treated early, skin cancer can be cured.
Check your entire body for moles or suspicious spots at least once a month. Start at your head, including your scalp, and work your way down to your feet. Check the backs of your knees, between your fingers and toes, the soles of your feet, and your groin. Checking for suspicious moles should be done on people of all ages, and if you have a lot of moles, your doctor may recommend getting a yearly full-body check.
A simple method to check skin growths or moles on your body is the ABCDEs of melanoma. Get examined by a dermatologist if you have a mole or freckle that looks different from the others or has any of these characteristics:
A is for asymmetry. Asymmetry means that one half of a mole does not “match” the other; normal moles are symmetrical. An excellent way to evaluate this is to draw an imaginary line through the middle of the mole and compare the two halves. If they do not look the same, consult a dermatologist.
B is for border. If a mole’s edges are ragged, blurred, or irregular, have it checked out. Melanoma lesions often have uneven borders.
C is for color. A mole that is not the same color throughout (or that has shades of tan, brown, black, blue, white, or red) is suspicious. Normal moles are usually one color, and if one has gotten lighter or darker in color, talk to a dermatologist.
D is for diameter. A mole is suspicious if its diameter is larger than that of a pencil eraser. If you have one that size or larger, talk to your doctor.
E is for evolving. If you notice a mole that is evolving, shrinking, growing larger, changing in color, or beginning to itch or bleed, have it examined. Melanomas grow rapidly in height and size.
If you notice a mole or spot with any of the ABCDEs of melanoma, or if it is itchy, tender, red, oozing, scaly, or not healing, consult with your doctor. Likely, part of it will be removed and biopsied. If the mole is cancerous, the entire mole and surrounding tissue will be removed.
Malignant melanoma, when found in late stages, is difficult to treat, so it is essential to find it early. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are other types of skin cancers that are highly curable when found and treated early. People who have had skin cancer are at risk of getting it again and should have annual exams.
Sun exposure is the biggest cause of skin cancer, but heredity, environmental hazards, and radiation treatment may also play a part. While anyone can develop skin cancer, the risk is higher for individuals with fair skin and light-colored eyes, a large number of irregularly shaped moles, a family history of skin cancer, a history of excessive sun exposure or sunburns, or those who live in areas with high altitudes or year-round sunshine.
If you are at risk, limit your exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays between 10 AM and 4 PM, use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, wear a hat and sunglasses, and cover up your body. Young infants should be kept out of direct sunlight. Begin using sunscreen on children at six months of age, and then only allow moderate sun exposure. Teach your children about sun protection early, as sun damage occurs with unprotected exposure and accumulates throughout a lifetime.
References:
- WebMD, Precancerous Skin Lesions and Skin Cancer Slideshow, The Warning Signs of Skin Cancer, reviewed by Debra Jaliman, MD, August 20, 2020.
- American Academy of Dermatology Association, 23-420-CNM
