May is Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month

In light of May being Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month and yesterday being Melanoma Monday, the American Academy of Dermatology is launching campaigns to remind consumers to take steps to protect their skin and educate the public on how to detect melanoma/skin cancer. Prevention and early detection can save lives.   With statistics estimating that one in five Americans will face a skin cancer diagnosis at some point in their lifetime and revealing that one person dies from melanoma every hour, its startling that more Americans aren’t taking steps to protect their skin. Melanoma, which is said to be the deadliest form of skin cancer, can be prevented and with early detection can be treated.   In order to help make it easier for people to learn and remember how to check for and detect the signs of melanoma, the AmericanAcademy of Dermatology created the ABCDE rule.   Remember ABCDE to check for melanoma warning signs:  

• A – Asymmetry: When one half of the mole doesn’t match the other half
• B – Border irregularity: When the edges are ragged, notched or blurred
• C – Color that differs from one area to another
• D – Diameter: Melanomas are usually greater than 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser) although they can be smaller when diagnosed
• E – Evolving: When a mole or skin lesion looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape or color

  Another good tip, when in doubt get it checked out. If you have a suspicious mole or skin spot that you’re worried about, simply show it to your healthcare provider, who can then determine if further testing is required.   Here at Mountainside Medical Equipment we know how important skin care is to our overall health and well-being, which is why we’ve dedicated a whole section of our website to skin care. We also have a large selection of screens available to help protect the skin from the sun’s damaging rays. Great for sticking in a purse, backpack, keeping in the car, athletic bags, etc, the Safetec Sunscreen Lotion with SPF 30 comes in individual packets, helping to ensure that you’ll always have a way to protect yourself and your family from the sun’s damaging rays. Made from naturally sourced active ingredients, the Aveeno Baby Sunblock SPF 50 Stick is specially formulated to protect the delicate skin of babies and young children.   #SPOTskincancer   Sources: http://www.aad.org/stories-and-news/news-releases/learn-how-to-spot-skin-cancer http://www.mountainside-medical.com/top-10-warning-signs-of-melanoma.html/