​AK=actinic keratosis.
This is the Red Flag.  AK's are pre-cancerous and your body's way of getting your attention.  Do not ignore as this lesion can progress into something much worse.  The appearance of an AK is a patch of red, dry, scaly skin that does not go away and will enlarge over time.  On darker skins it presents with a darker pigment.  Treatment is straightforward and nothing to fear.

​Squamous Cell Cancer
Is the second most common type of skin cancer.  Unfortunately, the man in the photo ignored his symptoms.   Don't let this happen to you. This cancer tends to take root in the middle and outer layers of the skin & usually presents as a red, scaly patch that heals and magically reappears!  Take that to be a very bad sign and have it checked out asap.

​My own "Grand Prize" a BCC (basal cell carcinoma) scar!

Does this sound like you are returning to school to re-learn the alphabet?  This special alphabet is a tool designed to help the general public be aware of how to identify questionable moles on their own body and how to conduct a skin check in the privacy of their home.  Remember:  this is your first line of defense against skin cancer.

Necessary Steps for a Skin Check
*Use a full-length & hand-held mirror in a well lighted room 
• Start at your head and move down to your feet.
• Check your face, neck, eyes, ears and scalp. 
• Check the front and back of your body.
• Raise your arms and look at your left and right side.
• Check your upper arms, forearms (on all sides), palms and fingernails.
• Check the front, back and all sides of your legs. Remember to examine your bottom & genitalia.
• Sit down to look at your feet, toenails, soles and in-between your toes.

What to Look For?
• A mole that looks different from the others.
• A reddish or darker flaky patch, which may be raised.
• A mole that has changed in size, shape, color, or feel; mine became itchy!
• A sore that does not heal.
• A new firm bump that is flesh-colored.

You know your ABC's. 
Now it's time to learn your ABCDE's! 
This is an easy way to identify characteristics of unusual moles that may be melanoma or other skin cancers.

• A = asymmetrical shape.  Moles that are irregular in shape, such as having two very different-looking halves.
• B = border.  Moles that have irregular, scalloped or notched borders.
• C = color.  Watch for changes in color, growths with many colors or an uneven distribution of color.
• D = diameter.  Watch for new growth in a mole that’s larger than ¼ inch (about 6 mm, or approximately the size of an eraser).
• E = evolving.  Be aware of changes over time. A mole that gets bigger, changes shape or color, or develops new signs or symptoms such as itchiness or bleeding, for example.

Click here for more information from the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Welcome to the month of May! All the beauty and outdoor activities it brings. It is very important to keep sun protection on the top of your list as May is recognized as Melanoma Awareness Month.

This is not a pretty picture, but it is followed by honest, straight-forward facts to help you be more aware.
Melanoma is the most serious and fastest-growing type of skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the US. More than a million people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year. Melanoma is caused by UV radiation from the sun, tanning booths, and sun lamps. You get the idea. Adults get it most often, but children, teenagers and older adults are at risk too.
Men are diagnosed most often on their trunk, head and neck. Women get melanoma most often on their arms and legs.
Those at Greater Risk for melanoma include having fair skin, light-colored eyes, freckling &/or the skin burns easily.
You also increase the odds if you have had one or more severe blistering sunburns in your life. Bear in mind: you can receive lots of UV exposure due to lifestyle, by living closer to the equator or at a higher elevation, in addition to a body of water.