SALAMAT DOK: Health Tips 12 (Avoid Skin Cancer)

ABCD of Skin Cancer

Take note of the ABCD Rule for malignant melanoma. If you recognize these signs anywhere on your body, see a health care professional immediately.

A stands for asymmetry: The mole, birthmark or other type of blemish anywhere on your skin is not symmetric (same on both sides).
B for border: The border of the mole or birthmark is ragged, notched, irregular or blurred.
C for color: The mole or blemish is multicolored, consisting of brown, black, red, blue or white in varying shades and patterns.
D for diameter: The mole or blemish is more than ¼ inch (6mm) across in size. Diameter (the size of a pencil eraser or larger)

Identification
• Monthly body checks will alert any changes in pigment of moles or new "moles" that appear. Stand in front of a mirror minus your clothes and remember the ABCD Rules. Look carefully for any abnormalities on your skin. Use a hand mirror to check your back and other body parts you can't easily see. Incidence of malignant melanoma among men appearing on their backs is high and the area should be checked regularly.
Significance
• While melanoma accounts for 4 percent of all skin cancers, malignant melanoma causes the greatest number of skin cancer--related deaths worldwide, according to Dr. Susan M. Swetter, director of the Pigmented Lesion and Cutaneous Melanoma Clinic. Catching it early will decrease your mortality rate. Early childhood exposure to severe sunburn blisters increases one's risk later in life to developing malignant melanoma, as does having a fair complexion. Family history of malignant melanoma also increases your risks, as does old age.

Tips:
• Generously apply sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 that provides broad-spectrum protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Re-apply approximately every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
• Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, where possible.
• Seek shade when appropriate, when the sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Use extra caution near water, beach and sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun which can increase your chance of sunburn.
• Protect children from sun exposure. Be sure to play in the shade, use protective clothing, and apply sunscreen.

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