Each May, we bring awareness to Skin Cancer. Did you know that skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in America? According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 9,500 people in the United States are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. As your dermatologist, we want to help keep your skin healthy, which includes screening it for skin cancer and protecting against skin cancer in the first place! Read on to find out how to protect your skin and what changes to watch for so you can come in and see us early if needed.
Protect Your Skin By:
- Wearing a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ daily
- Seeking shade during peak hours from 12-4pm
- Reapplying sunscreen every two hours when outdoors
- Wearing protective gear such as long sleeves, pants, wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
How to Check Your Skin for Changes
While skin cancer comes in different forms, melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. You can easily check for Melanoma using the ABC’s
- A is for Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other half.
- B is for Border irregularity: The edges are ragged, notched, or blurred.
- C is for Color that varies from one area to another.
- D is for Diameter: While melanomas are usually greater than 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed, they can be smaller.
- E is for Evolving: A mole or skin lesion that looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape, or color.
If you notice any other unusual formations or changes in your skin, it is always better to be on the safe side and come in and see us to check for sure. We want you to be safe and healthy!
The information presented in this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Sources for the above information include The American Academy of Dermatology. If you have questions or concerns, please call our office or make an appointment with a medical professional. Savannah River Dermatology is located at 575 Furys Ferry Rd in Augusta, Ga. Our office can be reached at 706-691-7079.
