Does the following ring true about your past habits? Have you ever lathered up with baby oil in preparation for a glorious day on Clearwater Beach? Or squeezed in a few tanning salon sessions before a vacation to get that “perfect glow?” If so, you’re not alone. But today, we know better. Awareness around the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) exposure has grown, and many people have swapped tanning habits for sunscreen and sun protection. Still, the question remains: Is that enough to protect you against skin cancer?

Why Skin Cancer Awareness Matters More Than Ever

According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and most cases are linked to ultraviolet (UV) exposure. It is more common than breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancer combined. Even more troublesome is the fact that current estimates say that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer over the course of their life.

On average, Floridians can expect 246 sunny days every year; and if you add in partly cloudy days, it’s not a far stretch to understand that our skin can be exposed to harm more than expected. In addition to applying sunscreen to exposed skin when outside and avoiding tanning salons, there are some other things you can do to protect yourself from skin cancer. If detected early, most skin cancers, including melanoma, are highly treatable.

Who is Most at Risk for Skin Cancer?

You may be at higher risk if you:

• Live in sunny climates (like Florida)
• Have fair skin or burn easily
• Have a history of sunburns or tanning bed use
• Have many moles or unusual moles
• Have a family history of skin cancer

Your First Line of Defense: Monthly Skin Checks

No matter if it is winter, spring, summer, or fall, it is important to examine your skin every month and search for anything that looks suspicious. But would you know the difference between normal, benign, or harmful? By following some simple ABCDEs, you can be on the right side of the bell curve. The ABCDE rule is a simple, powerful tool for identifying potential signs of melanoma.

Knowing Your ABCDEs of Skin Cancer

When it comes to early skin cancer detection, specifically melanoma, which can be deadly, knowing your ABCDEs can be a lifesaver. Dermatologists recommend using the ABCDE rule to evaluate changes in moles.

But where does one begin? When checking your skin, a good starting point is to be on the lookout for any new growth or moles. From there, you can become a skin melanoma detective by observing the following ABCDE clues:

Asymmetrical. If you have a mole already, imagine drawing a line through it to divide it in half. A warning sign of melanoma is that the two halves would not be equal.

Border. If the border or edge of a mole or lesion is uneven, scalloped or there’s a notch, there can be cause for concern.

Color. The majority of benign skin spots are one color…usually brown. A red flag is a lesion with a number of different colors or shades, usually a variety of browns. And believe it or not, melanoma can even be patriotic in appearance: red, white, and blue.

Diameter. The diameter of a mole is very telling: The larger the diameter of a mole, the more suspicious the lesion. Statistically, melanomas are about the size of a pencil eraser. However, melanoma can start smaller.

Evolving. This is one of the most important indicators. A prior growth that’s changed significantly or a spot that itches, bleeds or doesn’t heal could be an alarm.

When to See a Doctor

If you discover one or more ABCDEs during your skin check, make an appointment with your physician for a comprehensive skin-cancer screening. The good news is that when caught early, the cure rate for skin cancer, even melanoma, is high.

Prevention Still Matters

While detection is critical, prevention remains the key. The following are five prevention tips to follow:

• Use broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) daily (even on cloudy days)
• Reapply every two (2) hours when outdoors
• Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses
• Avoid peak sun hours, i.e., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Say no to indoor tanning salons

Take Charge if Your Skin Health

Skin cancer is common, but it is also one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer when caught early. By combining sun-safe habits with regular skin self-checks, you can take a proactive role in protecting your health.

Have questions or want more information?

If you’d like to learn more or have general questions about Medicare, you can call SECUR Health Plan at 1.833.76SECUR (1.833.767.3287). TTY callers can use 711. Our team is ready to answer your questions and support your health journey.