The ABCDE method to monitor skin cancer can help identify moles or spots that need attention.
Los Angeles, Calif. — As we head into another hot summer, it is important to be aware of the daily practices that we can use to protect our skin. While melanin offers some natural protection against the sun, it can also create a false sense of security. The truth is that Black people can develop skin cancer too – and when it’s discovered late, the consequences can be devastating.
Melanin helps absorb some of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, but it does not completely shield the skin from damage. The Fitzpatrick scale categorizes skin into six phototypes based on melanin content and how the skin tends to burn or tan after exposure to UV light. Black people may fall into any of these phototypes because skin tone and the way skin responds to sun exposure are not the same for everyone. This is why skin care should be individualized rather than one-size-fits-all. Years of sun exposure can still harm skin cells and increase the risk of cancer over time. Using the ABCDE method to monitor the skin and identify moles and spots can be effective in early cancer detection and save lives.
“Skin health is an important part of overall wellness and preventive care services allow people to catch warning signs earlier, speak with specialists sooner, and address health concerns before they become more serious,” stated Dr. Monica Soni, Covered California Chief Medical Officer. “We want everyone to understand that too much sun exposure without protection can damage the skin, cause painful sunburns and premature aging, and increase the risk of skin cancer.”
-MORE-
According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer can affect people of every skin tone and Black individuals are far more likely to learn they have the disease at a later stage, when treatment becomes more difficult, and survival rates drop. Skin cancer is America’s most common cancer, but can often be prevented with daily habits.
The ABCDE method is a resource to help identify changes in the skin, especially the development of melanoma.
- A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other.
- B – Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred. Normal moles are round or oval.
- C – Color: The mole is not evenly colored; it may include shades of brown or black, or patches of pink, red, white, or blue.
- D – Diameter: The spot is larger than 6 millimeters across.
- E – Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.
Another challenge is that skin cancer may not look the same on darker skin, and warning signs can appear in unexpected places.
- The palms of the hands
- The soles of the feet
- Under fingernails or toenails
- Inside the mouth
- Dark spots, sores, or patches that do not heal
Besides applying the ABCDE method for early detection, small daily habits can go a long way in protecting skin health, including:
- Wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher
- Reapplying sunscreen during extended time outdoors
- Using hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing
- Limiting direct sun exposure during peak daylight hours
- Checking the skin regularly for unusual changes
- Scheduling routine medical and skin examinations
Schedule a check-up today with your doctor to get screened for skin cancer.