As a healthcare practitioner I’m in a prime position to look for skin lesions and assess them. It’s also my duty to inform patients of suspicious findings and to refer out to another provider or specialist if beyond my scope of practise.
Melanoma awareness month should be every month. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 76,000 people will be diagnosed with melanoma this year. Your risk is 1 in 5. Ages 18-39 are the fastest growing group. Melanoma rates have doubled in the last 30 years. SPF's may give us false security - people use it to stay out longer. Choose a broad spectrum SPF of 15 or higher, be liberal with application and re-apply. Wear a hat, and choose highly protective fabrics such as unbleached cotton, denim, and nylon. The colour red has nearly twice the ultraviolet protection factor. Do full body checks every month on a loved one, and schedule annual exams with a dermatologist.
10 Sneaky Places Skin Cancer Hides:
1. Scalp
2. Palms, soles of feet
3. Eyelids
4. Nails (this can look like a black or brown bruise under the nail bed)
5. Underarms
6. Behind your ears
7. Groin
8. Butt
9. Between toes
10. Mouth, lips
ABCDE's
Asymmetry
An asymmetrical or irregular shape may be cause for concern. A perfect circle is likely nothing to worry about.
Border
Jagged, irregular borders could be melanoma lesions. Non-cancerous moles typically have smooth even borders.
Colour
Black, grey, pink or raised red bumps are all causes for concern. Regular moles are plain brown not uneven in colour.
Diameter
Anything larger than 6mm [size of a pea] is worth a second look.
Evolution
If a mole itches, burns, bleeds, grows or changes colour see your doctor.
