August 21
Skin Cancer
	This year more than 47 thousand Americans will be diagnosed and almost 8000 will die from skin cancer. However, people who check their skin regularly can actually lower their risk of developing advanced skin cancer. Here’s a way to identify those moles that may be more likely to be cancer. It’s called the ABCD rule: Asymmetry: A non-cancerous mole is generally symmetric and circular in shape, while melanoma usually grows in an irregular fashion. Border: Any mole that doesn’t have a smooth or defined border between the mole and skin should be checked. Color: Most moles are light brown and uniform in color. Any mole that has more than one color of brown, or is dark, blue, or purplish may be a sign of skin cancer. Diameter: A diameter of more than 6 mm, which is about the size of a pencil eraser, or a mole that seems to be growing in size should also be checked. People with a history of sun exposure, light skin, hair and eyes, or a family history of melanoma are at the highest risk, but a skin check should be part of everyone’s regular physical exam. If you have a mole that’s irregular in color, size or shape, or that’s changed from what it previously looked like, make an appointment now to have it looked at—if it is cancer, the earlier the treatment, the better the chance for cure.
	Are there different kinds of skin cancer and are they all dangerous? There are two general types of skin cancer—both are caused by sun exposure and both need to be treated before they spread. Basal cell carcinoma can get bigger and go deeper but does not spread to other organs. Melanoma can spread to other organs of the body if not treated, so it’s important to make an early diagnosis and start treatment as soon as possible.
	RESOURCES: Melanoma Resource Center American Cancer Society www3.cancer.org/cancerinfo/load_cont.asp?st=wi&ct=50 Skin Cancer Foundation www.skincancer.org American Academy of Dermatology www.aad.org