During a summer day at the beach, water park or zoo, most of us know it’s important to shield our skin with SPF. But no matter the weather or the season, it’s important to always cover up and protect your skin.
In fact, the Skin Cancer Foundation advises that we should apply a broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher every day to help prevent skin cancer. Wearing long sleeves and a hat will also help to protect the face, neck and shoulders.
If you suspect unusual spots or moles, using the ABCDE Rule can help determine whether it’s time to make an appointment with a physician (more on this below).
“Any spot that looks like an ugly duckling or different from other skin spots you may have requires attention,” said radiation oncologist Dr. Kyle McCool of Novant Health Cancer Institute Radiation Oncology - Wilmington.
In an appearance with WECT, Wilmington’s NBC affiliate, McCool shared these pointers on how to protect your skin and lower your skin cancer risk, 365 days a year.
Concerned about your skin cancer risk? Talk with a primary care physician.
When do I have to worry about skin cancer, and what should I look for?
“If you have spots on your skin, there’s a technique you can use to identify a concern and address it. We call this the ABCDE Rule. It’s a list of features that may place you at higher risk for a spot being cancerous."
Look for any lesion that:
- is (A) Asymmetrical
- has irregular (B) Borders
- features (C) Color that is not uniform
- has a (D) Diameter of more than 1/4 inch
- or is (E) Evolving or changing over time.
Keep the ABCDE rule in mind when conducting a monthly skin self-exam, as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology Association. Use a full-body mirror and a hand mirror to check everywhere – including your scalp, underarms and the bottoms of your feet. If you find a mole or spot that fits one or more of the ABCDE Rule’s descriptors, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider to have it checked out.