Skin Cancer Awareness Month : Why Early Detection Saves Lives

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of skin cancer prevention, early detection, and education.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, affecting millions of people each year. Despite its prevalence, the good news is that early detection dramatically improves treatment outcomes. There are three primary types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Each type has unique characteristics, but all share one thing in common: the earlier they are detected, the more treatable they are.

Signs to watch for include:

• A new mole or spot on the skin

• A changing or irregular lesion

• Sores that do not heal

• Bleeding, crusting, or itching areas

• A spot that looks different from other moles

One rule we encourage our patients to remember is the ABCDE rule. The ABCDE rule is a simple method used by dermatologists to identify potentially dangerous moles or lesions, especially for melanoma.

A : Asymmetry - Check and see if one half of the lesion does not match the other half.

B : Border - Check for irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined edges.

C : Color - Check for multiple colors or uneven shades (brown, black, red, white, blue).

D : Diameter - Check and see if the lesion is larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser). Smaller moles can still be concerning, but size does play a factor in risk assessment.

E : Evolving - Check for any change in size, shape, color, or symptoms.

Keeping the ABCDE rule in mind when performing at-home skin checks can help you detect any irregular spots that should be evaluated by a dermatologist.

Performing at-home monthly skin checks and scheduling annual professional skin exams are key components of early detection. Early recognition saves lives, prevents extensive treatment, and improves cosmetic outcomes.

If you notice any unusual or changing lesions on your skin, it’s important to seek a professional evaluation promptly. You can call our office at (432)-563-3113 to schedule.