Melanoma – a type of skin cancer – is one of the deadliest cancers, and it can be prevented or at least caught early. People most at risk of developing this type of skin cancer are those with fair skin, those who have a lot of moles, a family history of melanoma, living at the equator or a higher elevation, exposure to UV light (including tanning beds), and a history of sunburn. Wearing sunscreen can help prevent UV exposure and sunburns – so always wear it. If you tend to have a lot of moles, then it’s important to examine them often, especially if they’re an unusual, large type called dysplastic nevi. These are larger than 5 millimeters in diameter and vary in color and border. As you look at moles, keep in mind the ABCDEs of examining them. A stands for asymmetry – is the mole round and equal in size on all edges?

If not, then it’s asymmetrical, which means it’s at a higher risk of being malignant. Borders are the next thing to check. A smooth border is a good thing – look for scalloping, notches and other irregularities to determine if the mole is suspicious. For C, check the color – moles should be uniform all over in color. If there are variations such as red, white, black or other different shades, then it is irregular. D refers to the mole’s diameter, which shouldn’t be larger than the size of a pencil eraser. Elevation is the final thing to check for – if a mole sits up high off of the skin, then it’s considered suspicious. Watch for any changes in your moles – a mole may have one or more of the ABCDE factors and still be normal, but if it changes or bleeds, then those are the red flags that mean it’s time to see the dermatologist. Melanoma is curable when it’s caught early, so watch your skin and take care of it.