Melanoma:
Information for adults

• Protective measures, such as avoiding skin exposure to sunlight during peak sun hours (10 AM to 3 PM), wearing protective clothing, and applying high-SPF sunscreen, are essential for reducing exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) light.
• Monthly self-examination of the skin, as described below, is helpful to detect new lesions or changes in existing lesions.
• Remember the ABCDEs of skin cancer (melanoma):
  A - Asymmetry: One half of the lesion does not mirror the other half.
  B - Border: The borders are irregular or vague (indistinct).
  C - Color: More than one color may be noted within the mole.
  D - Diameter: Size greater than 6 mm (roughly the size of a pencil eraser) may be concerning.
  E - Evolving: Notable changes in the lesion over time are suspicious signs for skin cancer.

Once a month, you should perform a self-exam to look for signs of skin cancer. It is best to perform the exam in a well-lit area after a shower or bath. Use a full-length mirror with the added assistance of a hand mirror when necessary. Using a hair dryer can help you examine any areas of skin covered by hair, such as your scalp.

• In front of a full-length mirror, inspect the front of your body making sure to look at the front of your neck, chest (including under breasts), legs, and genitals.
• With your arms raised, inspect both sides of your body making sure to examine your underarms.
• With your elbows bent, examine the front and back of your arms as well as your elbows, hands, fingers, area between your fingers, and fingernails.
• Inspect the tops and bottoms of your feet, the area between your toes, and toenails.
• With your back to the mirror and holding a hand mirror, inspect the back of your body, including the back of your neck, shoulders, legs, and buttocks.
• Using a hand mirror, examine your scalp and face.

As you perform your monthly self-exam, familiarize yourself with the moles, freckles, and other marks on your body, and look for any changes in them from month to month, including shape, size, color, or other changes, such as bleeding or itching. If you do note any changes, see your primary care physician or dermatologist.

See your doctor when you see new moles with irregular color, irregular borders, asymmetry, or diameter greater than a pencil eraser or when you notice a change in an existing mole.