Noticing a suspicious mole? When was the last time you put on sunscreen? If you didn’t say this morning or yesterday, then we might have a problem. Apart from turning to your dermatologist once a year for skin cancer screenings, there are definitely things you can be doing every day to reduce your risk for skin cancer during your lifetime. One of them is to check your own skin regularly to look for new or changing moles that could be signs of melanoma.

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Here’s what to look for when performing your own skin check:

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New moles: By the age of 30, you should already have all the moles that you’re going to have. So, if you notice any new moles or growths cropping up where there was nothing before, it might be time to have a dermatologist check it out.

Oddly shaped moles: Healthy moles are asymmetrical, which means that you could draw an imaginary line down the mole and both halves would look identical. Asymmetrical moles are more likely to be precancerous or cancerous, so it’s a good idea to have them checked out by a skin care professional.

Moles without borders: Healthy moles have a clearly defined border or outline while moles that are cancerous are more likely to have an irregular or poorly defined border. If your mole doesn’t have a clearly defined shape, it’s time to see your dermatologist.

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Moles with multiple colors: While healthy moles will range in color from skin-colored to nearly black, it’s important that your moles are one color. If you notice a mole that contains multiple colors, particularly one, pink or blue, schedule an immediate evaluation with your skin doctor.

Moles that change: Moles should stay relatively the same over time, which also means that you probably shouldn’t notice them much; however, if a mole hurts, is red or swollen, crusts over, bleeds, or oozes, these are also signs of a problem.

Even if everything looks great, you should still schedule an annual skin cancer screening with your dermatologist just to play it safe. After all, skin cancer is one of the leading cancers in the US. These annual screenings offer early detection of skin cancer, which also means swifter treatment and a higher cure rate. Call your dermatologist today to make sure you don’t miss out on your annual skin cancer screening.

Comments or Illustrative Examples:

• It’s essential to keep track of any new moles or growths on your skin. If you notice any changes, consult a dermatologist promptly to address the issue.
• Asymmetrical moles can be a sign of precancerous or cancerous growth, so it’s crucial to seek medical attention if you come across any.
• Moles that lack a well-defined border or have irregular borders can indicate potential skin issues. Consulting a dermatologist is advisable.
• Pay attention to moles with multiple colors, especially if they contain shades of pink or blue. Seek immediate evaluation from a skin doctor.
• Any changes in moles, such as pain, redness, swelling, crusting, bleeding, or oozing, should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
• Annual skin cancer screenings can detect cancer early, leading to more effective treatment and potentially higher chances of a cure. Make sure to schedule these screenings with your dermatologist.

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