2.1: Melanoma Warning Signs Animation Video
Transcript:
Melanoma Warning Signs
Spending too much time in the sun’s UV rays and not protecting your body can lead to skin cancer.
Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer because it spreads rapidly throughout the body, sometimes before the initial skin cancer is recognized. Monitoring your skin for possible warning signs of cancer can help you get treatment before the cancer can spread.
There are five common ways that a change to your skin may be a warning sign for cancer.
The ABCDE method can help you detect these unusual changes in the skin. The ABCDE method involves monitoring changes in your skin for Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, and Evolution.
Asymmetry can involve a mole where one half does not match the other half.
Look to see if there are irregular borders around a mark on your skin. A round freckle or mole are not warning signs for melanoma, but one with an irregular shape might be.
Changes in color or too many colors in one mole can indicate a warning sign for skin cancer.
Any mole or mark on the skin that is larger than 6 millimeters is a warning sign for skin cancer.
If you notice any change in size, shape, or color to a mole, this may be a warning sign for skin cancer. If you detect any of these warning signs on your skin, consult a health care professional as soon as possible.
Early treatment of skin cancer can help prevent it from spreading or getting worse.