HELP PREVENT A POTENTIAL SKIN CANCER DIAGNOSIS---What you can do

One of the main causes of melanoma and other skin cancers is overexposure to the sun. Many cases could be prevented. Please, be smart in the sun and teach your children preventive measures.

Generously apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) that protects you and your children from the sun's UVA and UVB rays. It's important whether you are on the beach, golfing, swimming, running, cycling, or even watching a little league game. Don't forget the sunscreen!

Wear protective clothing such as wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves, or seek clothing with a built-in SPF factor. Laundry products also are on the market, which add SPF protection to your clothing.

Seek shade, especially when the sun's rays are the strongest from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Be extra careful near water, sand, or snow as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun.

Get your vitamin D safely through diet and vitamin supplements, not through excessive sun exposure.

Avoid tanning beds and their harmful ultraviolet rays.

Wear sunglasses to help protect yourself against ocular melanoma.

Early detection is key and could save your life. Perform skin self exams and visit a trained dermatologist annually for a complete skin exam. Note changes in existing moles or birthmarks, new moles, changes or other differences in your skin, or a sore that won't heal or itches.

Look for the ABCDE's of Melanoma: Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, and Elevation/Evolution.

Asymmetry: One half of a mole or spot does not match the other half.

Border: The edges are ragged or blurred.

Color: Pigmentation is not uniform. Check for shades of black, brown, or tan that are mottled. Also look for areas of red, white, or even clear in appearance.  

Diameter: Look for moles or skin spots that are greater than six millimeters (the size of a pencil eraser) in size. Any growth of a mole should be of concern.

Elevation: Look for contours or different elevations within a mole. Also note any mole that has changed or evolved.