Do I have Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer affects more than 2 million Americans per year. Skin cancer, in recent years, has become an epidemic but is also the easiest cancer to cure if diagnosed and treated early. Don’t rely solely on your yearly checkups to your dermatologist for your skin screenings. Performing self examinations can alert you to changes in your skin and aid in the early detection of skin cancers. They can be done once a month and can be done at home in 10 minutes! Taking the time to check your skin is a small investment in what could be a life saving procedure!

What to look for:

·         Skin growth has increased in size and appears pearly, translucent, tan, black or multicolored

·         Mole, birth mark or beauty mark, or any brown spot:

o   Changes in color

o   Increases in size or thickness

o   Changes texture

o   Has an irregular outline

o   Is larger than ¼ inch (the size of a pencil eraser)

o   Appears after the age of 21

·         The spot, sore or mole continues to itch, hurt, crust, scab, erode or bleed

·         An open sore that doesn’t heal within 3 weeks

If during your self-examination any of these symptoms are found, do not hesitate in contacting your dermatologist. Set up an appointment to get screened. It could save your life.

Get Screened

Are you due for your routine skin cancer screening? Come visit us at The Road to Healthy Skin Tour. This FREE skin screening tour bus will be here Wednesday August 28, 2013 from 10am to 4pm in the Rite Aid parking lot in Walnut Creek. For more information click here!