No, we’re not suggesting that it’s time for your dog’s check-up. 

We and the American Academy of Dermatology, (AAD) are urging you to check your “spots” -- those small pigmented spots that may be dotting your anatomy--to look for warning signs of melanomas, the most serious form of skin cancer.  

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun is the most important preventable cause of all skin cancers, including melanoma. Yet, despite increased awareness of the potentially harmful effects of the sun and tanning beds, melanoma rates continue to rise.  One American dies of melanoma almost every hour. 

That’s why the AAD designated the first Monday in May as Melanoma Monday®, to raise awareness and early detection of melanomas. They also created a website full of downloadable tools and resources to help you check your spots or locate free skin cancer screenings near you.

Consult your doctor or dermatologist if any of your spots exhibit the A-B-C-D-Es of skin cancer detection:

• 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 is tinged with 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.

The American Cancer Society recommends a skin cancer-related checkup and counseling about sun exposure as part of any periodic health examination for men and women beginning at age 20. Regular “spot” checks to detect melanomas early, before it spreads to the lymph nodes and the rest of the body, increase survival rates to 98%.

Sources:

American Academy of Dermatology. April 19, 2011

Cancer Facts and Figures 2010