The ABC of Skin Cancer

No one knows your body like you do!

Because early detection is key in the treatment of melanoma, self-examination is a MUST!

Would you know what changes to look for in the inspection of your moles? Take a look at the ABCs of skin cancer. Also see our post on the Body Mole Map.

If you notice any of these changes, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist for further follow-up.

The Body Mole Map - it may save your life!

In keeping with the Skin Cancer Awareness theme of May, let's introduce you to the Body Mole Map, developed by the American Academy of Dermatology.

Maybe the MOST important point that they make in the Body Mole Map is that if you have ANY doubt about a mole, you should see a dermatologist. The five year survival rate for people whose Melanoma is detected and treated before it spreads to the lymph nodes is 99%.... so that is a really good incentive to check your skin regularly.

The Body Mole Map is is a set of instructions, accompanied by a map of the body, and examples of moles and skin lesions. After examining your skin, you document the moles and lesions on the Body Mole Map. It is important that you keep this in a safe place, as you will need it again a year from now when you do your next skin examination....and then compare your moles and lesions with what you documented the previous time. Specifically look for any change in color, shape or size.


Click on the image on the left to download the Body Mole Map, with instructions.

Remember to protect yourself from the sun. Also see our previous article on Tanning is skin cells in Trauma.

And Thank You to Deanna Maher, Clinical Manager at Sona MedSpa - Galleria, who brought this Body Mole Map to our attention!

Do you think indoor tanning is safe?

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is known to be the single largest environmental factor contributing to the development of skin cancer. So where does this leave us with indoor tanning? UV radiation levels in indoor tanning devices can be many times greater than what one would be exposed to outdoors.

More than one million new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year. At these rates, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer at some point in their life. See what the American Academy of Dermatolgy Association says about indoor tanning.

Consumer Reports did a great aricle on the unexpected dangers of indoor tanning. They did a survey of 296 facilites in 12 cities. Here are the highlights of their investigation.

See this short video sponsored by the American Academy of Dermatolgy Association (www.aad.org)

Still not convinced?

Read Brittany Lietz' story here.