LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
Typically, when one conducts self-examinations for skin cancer, he or she is looking for spots that scream, "Scary cancerous cell!" On the contrary, individuals dismiss cancerous skin because of its subtly pale pink facade.
As summer approaches and the sun beams down its scorching ultraviolet rays, individuals should goop on globs of suntan lotion, perform frequent self-examinations of exposed skin, and become familiar with the differences between fried egg moles and cancerous cells.
While some are predisposed to beautifully tanned summer skin, others feel the burn after just minutes in the sun. The best way to prevent needless scares is to prep the skin before stepping outdoors. Regardless of genetic predisposition, the American Cancer Society encourages all to lather on sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 at least 30 minutes before heading outside. Sure, it might put a damper on that Caribbean tan, but it also filters out 97 percent of the sun's harmful rays, which translate to wrinkles and sagging skin later in life.
For premium skin protection, utilize the ACS acronym, "Slip! Slop! Slap! and Wrap:" slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, and wrap on sunglasses. Finally, avoid midday exposure from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when rays are strongest and most damaging to skin.
After a day of absorbing the sun's rays, head indoors and examine skin for early signs of skin cancer. The ACS recommends performing these exams at least monthly, in front of a full-length mirror. Ask for help when examining places like the back or scalp. Make note of freckles, blemishes, and moles so that you will know if changes occur in appearance, size, or shape. Most importantly, consult a doctor for a close examination of possible trouble spots. Early detection prevents skin cancer from spreading, and doctors find it responds well to early treatment.
People often dismiss trouble spots as dry skin, broken blood vessels, or mild skin irritations, while they run to their dermatologist because a dark brown mole with a raised center, or fried egg mole, continues to grow in size. In reality, trouble spots are silent stalkers that prey on two million victims annually. To clarify the difference between a cancerous skin patch and fried egg mole, ACS created the ABCD Rule:
Asymmetry: If you cut the mole in half, would the sides differ in appearance?
Border: Are the edges irregular, ragged, notched or blurred?
Color: Does the color vary and include shades of brown or black, or patches of pink, red, white, or blue?
Diameter: Is the spot larger than 6 millimeters across, or the size of a pencil eraser?
When faced with the above information, it is possible to convince oneself that every irregular mole is cancerous. To prevent panic, ACS recommends individuals further examine moles for the following:
-A sore that does not heal
-Spread of pigment from the border of a spot to surrounding skin
-Redness or a new swelling beyond the border
-Change in sensation, such as itchiness, tenderness, or pain
-Change in the surface of a mole, such as scaliness, oozing, bleeding, or the appearance of a bump or nodule
Before heading out into the sun, remember to "Slip! Slop! Slap! And Wrap!" and apply the ABCD Rule if a fried egg mole pops up. For more information about skin protection, visit http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/SkinCancer-melanoma/MoreInformation/SkinCancerPreventionandEarlyDetection/index.