Knowing your skin cancer risk is as easy as ABC … DE

Bobbie Effinger knew she was at risk for skin cancer. As a fair-skinned person, she made sure to visit her dermatologist on a regular basis.

“Growing up, we didn’t have all the protection we have today,” Effinger said. “I wish I hadn’t been so worried about being tan!”

Effinger’s dermatologist discovered cancer on the tip of her nose during a routine appointment. Thanks to her vigilance in getting skin checkups, her cancer was caught early.

Though visiting a dermatologist is invaluable, everyone should learn how to do self-checks at home to identify suspicious areas on the skin. George Sonnier, M.D., derma-pathology, recommends following the ABCDEs of melanoma: Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter and Evolution. It’s also important to note any changing moles or lesions, particularly in a field of freckles or moles.

Dr. Sonnier suggests using a “which one of these is not like the others” mindset when doing a self-examination.

Effinger required more than 70 stitches following removal of the cancerous mole on her nose. Now she’s fully recovered and can barely tell where the cancer had been, but she hasn’t forgotten it – she’s learned from her experience with cancer. 

“I don’t want to go through that again!” she said. “You don’t want cancer on your face.”

Effinger always wears no less than 30 SPF sunscreen and protective clothing, like a wide-brimmed hat, anytime she’s outside. She sees her dermatologist twice a year to make sure she remains cancer-free.

“It’s a good idea to replace your sunscreen every year,” Dr. Sonnier said. “You should be using enough that you are going through bottles routinely. Remember to really lather up and reapply, reapply, reapply!”

Be aware of your skin. Examine your skin often and use a mirror to view hard-to-see places. Self-examinations continue to be an important tool in the fight against skin cancer.

–Ben Moore

Want to know more?
For a free skin cancer self-examination bookmark with photos of the ABCDEs of melanoma, call (502)629-1234.

May is skin cancer awareness month
One in five Americans will develop skin cancer – the most common of all cancers. Take time to periodically examine your skin and always use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher, even on  cloudy days.  Do your part to become more aware of your risk for skin cancer by getting a free skin cancer screening offered by Norton Cancer Institute. Call (502) 629-1234 for available dates and locations.