As we approach these summer months skin cancer is a dirty word.  The Risk is high!  Get your annual full body skin check from your favorite Dermatologist. The best Derms to see are ones that specialize in MOHS surgery, they know how to spot a skin cancer lesion with their expert eyes.  I have assisted several plastic surgeons and dermatologists during MOHS surgery and its not a pretty sight. Please get your skin exams and wear your sunblock!   

Know your ABCDEs of potentially dangerous moles or lesions: look for Asymmetry, irregular Borders, more than one or uneven distribution of Color, or a large (greater than 6mm) Diameter and pay attention to the Evolution of your moles. 

According to  Pennsylvania Medical Society @newswise.com

• Current estimates are that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime.
• Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults age 25-29 and is the second most common form of cancer for adolescents and young adults age 15-29.
• Melanoma is increasing faster in females 15-29 years old than males in the same age group. In females 15-29 years old, the torso is the most common location for developing melanoma, which may be due to high-risk tanning behaviors.
• You have a substantially increased risk of developing melanoma if you have many moles, large moles or atypical (unusual) moles.
• Your risk is increased if a blood relative (e.g., your parents, children, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles) has had melanoma.
• If you are a Caucasian with fair skin, your risk is higher than a Caucasian with olive skin.
• Redheads and blonds have a higher risk of developing melanoma. Blue or green eyes also increase your risk.
• Your chances increase significantly if you’ve already had a previous melanoma or if you have had basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, the more common forms of skin cancer.