The American Cancer Society has a skin protection campaign with a catchy slogan (adapted from an Australian campaign that launched in the 1980s) that may appeal to the younger (and most vulnerable) population: Slip, Slop, Slap® and Wrap. It stands for: Slip on a shirt. Slop on sunscreen. Slap on a hat. Wrap on sunglasses (to protect the eyes and sensitive skin around them).5
If our own (or our patients’) history of sun exposure has increased our risk for melanoma, remember that early detection is vital. Learn the signs and symptoms of melanoma; teach them to your family, friends, and patients.
Know that any mole can be suspicious and should be evaluated. The following mnemonic (ABCDE) provides clues to potential malignancy:
Asymmetry: Is the mole asymmetrical?
Border: Does the border or edge of the mole look uneven?
Color: Is the mole one uniform color? Several colors or shades of color within a mole could be a warning sign.
Diameter: How big is the mole? Melanomas often have a diameter of 6 mm (0.25 in) or more.
Evolving: Has the mole changed in shape, size, or color? Are there any other changes (eg, bleeding, itching, or pus)?
Many—but not all—melanomas present with the signs and symptoms listed above. But as our resident derm guru Joe Monroe regularly points out, there are different types of melanoma. The key is to know your skin and your moles. The AAD suggests that your birthday is a great day to “check your birthday suit.”6 While this is good advice (and perhaps easier to remember), I suggest you check your skin more often—and if you notice something, however insignificant it may seem, get it checked out by a professional. (And don’t assume that skin color or type offers immunity from skin cancer.)
I never gave much thought to sun exposure when I was younger—despite the many painful sunburns I endured. Today, my skin bears the scars of my early ignorance. Now I wear a hat (ugh) and slather on sunscreen. And that bathing suit? Now it is covered as much and as often as feasible. As for the sun, well, it now beats down on the umbrella that provides shade for that comfortable beach chair. My dermatology NP would be so proud!
So I challenge you to observe Melanoma Month and save your (and your patients’) skin—and potentially, your lives.
References on next page >>