OUT OCʼS D E AT TH
Know Your ABCDE’s By Doc John
Skin cancers are increasing and those most likely to succumb are fair skinned Caucasians. There are many types of skin cancer from a fairly common Rodent Ulcer to the most virulent and lethal cancer: Melanoma. You should check your skin monthly looking for new mole-like lesions, changes in existing moles or changes in the nature and colour of the skin. Take particular attention to your back and remember the medics ABCDE code. Asymmetry Asymmetry means one half of a mole does not match the other half. Normal moles are symmetrical. When checking moles or freckles, draw an imaginary line through the middle and compare the two halves. If each side looks different from the other have it checked by a doctor. Border Ragged, blurred or irregular borders are a warning sing that you should have it checked by a dermatologist. Melanoma lesions often have uneven borders. 36
Colour Normal moles are a constant colour, a single shade of brown, but one that has shades of tan, brown, black, blue, white, or red is suspicious. A mole of many shades or that has lightened or darkened should be checked by a doctor. Diameter Take the eraser at the end of a pencil and measure the mole against that if the mole is larger than the diameter of the eraser then it is suspicious. Evolving A mole that is evolving – shrinking, growing larger, changing colour, begins to itch or bleed – should be checked. If a portion of the mole appears newly raised from the skin it must be checked by a doctor. Melanoma lesions often grow in size or change in height rapidly. If you notice any increase in mole-like spots or a change in existing ones you must have it checked by a specialist: it could save your life.