The American Academy of Dermatology designates the first Monday in May as Melanoma Monday. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness of melanoma, a potentially fatal skin cancer, and to encourage early detection. With early detection, melanoma has a high cure rate. Despite the fact that melanoma is the only skin cancer that can be seen on the surface of the skin, a large number of people are not taking the time to examine their skin for any changes that could be warning signs of skin cancer or seeing a healthcare provider for a skin cancer screening.

The first line of defense against skin cancer starts with you. Examine your skin on a regular basis for signs of skin cancer and consult a dermatologist if you notice anything suspicious. These simple steps can help ensure that skin cancer is diagnosed in its earliest, most treatable stage. Below you will find information about how to examine your skin and what signs to look for.

HOW TO PERFORM A SELF EXAM
Examine your body front and back in the mirror, then look at the right and left sides with your arms raised.
Bend elbows and look carefully at forearms, upper underarms and palms.
Look at the backs of your legs and feet, the spaces between your toes, and the soles of your feet.
Examine the back of your neck and scalp using a hand mirror.
Finally, check your back and buttocks with a hand mirror.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: The ABCDEs
Asymmetry: One half is unlike the other half.
Border: An irregular, scalloped or poorly defined border.
Color: Is varied from one area to another; has shades of tan, brown, or black; or sometimes white red or blue.
Diameter: Melanomas usually are greater than 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed, but they can be smaller.
Evolving: A mole or skin lesion that looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape or color.

Please use these steps to help prevent and detect skin cancer.

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but wise, making the most of every opportunity… always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”.
- Ephesians 5:15, 20

Resources: www.melanomamonday.org
www.aad.org (American Academy of Dermatology)