This is not a sexy conversation to have however, it’s a must! Lets talk about detecting skin cancer; mole or melanoma.

Is this mole normal?

NATIONAL MELANOMA MONDAY

May is designated as Skin cancer awareness month. Included in that designation is National Melanoma Monday, which is the first Monday in May.

The American Academy of Dermatology has set aside this day to raise awareness about skin cancer.

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer, and it is the deadliest of skin cancers.

There will be many events focused on skin health, sun safety, tanning prevention, and skin cancer screenings and resources.

All are asked to join the American Academy of Dermatology in wearing orange and encouraging others to wear orange for skin cancer awareness.

IS THIS MOLE NORMAL?

Normal moles. A normal mole is usually an evenly colored brown, tan, or black spot on the skin…. Most people have moles, and almost all moles are harmless. But it’s important to recognize changes in a mole. Size, shape, and color can help identify whether its a normal mole or melanoma.

It is not just the skin that is most often exposed to the sun that needs to be checked, but every place in between. That means under your arms and between your toes. Detailed instructions for giving yourself a thorough body check:

1. Strip down to your birthday suit.

2. Make sure you have good light, a hand mirror and a full-length mirror.

3. Start with your scalp … Separate your hair and look closely. You may need 2-3 mirrors or just ask someone to look, take a picture, and/ or shoot a quick video from your phone.

4. Then examine face, under nose, ears and behind ears.

5. Next look at arms, under arms and backs of arms.

6. Check your chest, then abdomen, pelvis, groin and legs.

7. Sit down and check feet as wells as between toes.

8. Then use your hand mirror with your back to the full mirror to check your back, buttock and back of legs. You can always ask someone you trust to help you 

9. Every surface of the skin should be checked, even those places where the sun doesn’t shine.

WHAT SHOULD I BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR?

What to look for: The ABCDEs of skin cancer:

A —ASYMMETRY: One half unlike the other half.

B —BORDER: Irregular, scalloped or poorly defined border.

C —COLOR: Varied from one area to another.

D —DIAMETER: While melanomas are usually greater than 6 mm, they can be smaller.

E —EVOLVING: A mole or skin lesion that looks different from the rest.

I hope today’s blog post has helped out. If you have any skincare questions… please don’t hesitate to DM me post them below this post. The health of your skin is in your hands. Take action in the right direction today.