© 2005, Wellsource, Inc.
Melanoma Recognizing Skin Cancer
Prepared by Don Hall, DrPH, CHESWellsource Inc.
© 2005, Wellsource, Inc.
Skin Cancer Melanoma
Warning Signs
Asymmetry – different halves look different
Borders – irregular, shaggy, or ill-formed
Color – not the same color throughout the lesion
Diameter – larger than 6 mm (1/4 inch, about the size of a pencil eraser)
Evolving – changing in size, shape, color, symptoms (itching, tenderness), or surface (especially bleeding)
© 2005, Wellsource, Inc.
Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, especially between the hours of 10 am to 4 pm
Prevention
© 2005, Wellsource, Inc.
Wear protective clothing – a hat and clothing that protects arms, legs, and the rest of the body
Prevention
© 2005, Wellsource, Inc.
Use sunscreen (SPF 15+) when exposed to strong sunlight for over 10 minutes
Prevention
© 2005, Wellsource, Inc.
Be especially careful with children as early excess sun exposure before 18 greatly increases risk
Prevention
© 2005, Wellsource, Inc.
Examine your skin regularly -- see your doctor if you think you see warning signs (ABCDEs)
Prevention
© 2005, Wellsource, Inc.
Summary• Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, especially
between the hours of 10 AM to 4 PM• Wear protective clothing – a hat and clothing
that protects arms, legs, and the rest of the body• Use sunscreen (SPF 15+) when exposed to
strong sunlight for over 10 minutes• Avoid tanning booths and sun bathing• Be especially careful with children as early
excess sun exposure before 18 greatly increases risk
• Wear sunglass – melanoma can occur in the eyes • Examine your skin regularly -- see your doctor if
you think you see warning signs (ABCDEs)
Prevention
JAMA Dec. 8, 2004