How To Detect Melanoma Early On
According to Cancer Australia, 16,878 people were diagnosed with melanoma of the skin last year. This was a significant 11.2% of all new cancer cases diagnosed, mostly thanks to overexposure to the sun. In fact, Australia has the highest rates of melanoma in the world. The survival rate is around 50%, but the chances of successful treatment increase rapidly if the warning signs are spotted early. In this article, we explain how to detect melanoma.
Regularly check your skin
Even if you don’t think you're at significant risk because you always wear sunscreen or aren’t out in the hot sun very often, it is vital that you check your skin for abnormalities regularly. Ideally, have a good look at least once a month for new moles or lesions, or ones that have changed in colour or got bigger. To help you remember what the warning signs are, remember the ABCDEs of melanoma.
Table of contents
1. A is for asymmetry
Most melanomas are asymmetrical, meaning that if they were split through the middle, the two halves wouldn't be mirror images of each other. This differentiates melanomas from regular spots or moles that are usually perfect circles or ovals.
2. B is for borders
Common moles tend to have even and smooth borders, whereas melanomas are known to be uneven around the outside and possibly notched or scalloped.
3. C is for colour
Check that your moles do not change colour, as melanomas can change to red, white or blue as they develop. Also, while harmless moles are usually a single shade of brown, a melanoma may have different colours, such as different shades of brown, tan or black.
4. D is for diameter
If a spot has appeared on your skin and has grown significantly over time to about 6mm, this is a warning sign.
5. E is for evolving
Be alert to changes in moles on your skin. Be wary of changes in size, shape, colour, elevation, or symptoms of spots, such as bleeding or crusting which can all be signs of melanoma. Remember that melanomas can develop in benign moles as well as on normal skin.
6. Compare it to other moles
Some experts call this the ‘Ugly Duckling’ method of detection. This just means being able to identify a mole that does not match the other moles on the same area of skin. Melanomas are likely to be different from regular moles which tend to all look the same. For example, melanoma can be bigger or smaller, lighter or darker, or a different shape. A mole that has appeared on a patch of skin without any other moles is also considered an ugly duckling.
7. Go to the doctor
Overall, if you see anything new, changing or unusual on your skin, it’s important that you go to your doctor or dermatologist. Detecting skin cancer early on is the only way to ensure a safe recovery, so follow your instincts if you think a spot or lesion just doesn’t seem right.