May is Melanoma Awareness Month. Melanoma, which is the most deadly form of skin cancer, is cancer of the melanocytes (what gives you your pigment) — which most of the time, means a mole. If caught early, it is very curable. So your goal is to catch it early. Think of it this way, melanoma like the crack on your windshield. Catch it early, you keep your windshield. Otherwise the crack spreads and, well, not a happy ending.
Here’s what to look for:
If a mole is itching or bleeding, so get it looked at by a dermatologist. If one isn’t available, go to your doctor. If in doubt, check it out.
Also, remember your ABCDEs.
A is for Asymmetry
One half of the spot is unlike the other half.
B is for Border
The spot has an irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined border.
C is for Color
The spot has varying colors from one area to the next, such as shades of tan, brown or black, or areas of white, red, or blue.
D is for Diameter
While melanomas are usually greater than 6 millimeters, or about the size of a pencil eraser, when diagnosed, they can be smaller.
E is for Evolving
The spot looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape, or color.
Take advantage of skin screenings. If you have someone who can check you out, let them look you over.
This is a subject that is close to my back.
I am a melanoma survivor. Since 2000, I’ve had over 80 moles removed — I look like I fought pirates and lost. Three of the moles were melanomas and one was malignant melanoma, which means it had started to spread. So now, I have a five-inch scar on my back. Yes, the surgery ended my career as an international back model, but I’m grateful to still be here. So my story isn’t one of great struggle — it is one of early detection.
Thank you Kenny Barazza for literally saving my life.
The good news is that science is doing a great job working on a cure. But until that day, get screened and catch anything early.
So get screened — it can save your skin and your life.