Macro shot of a big skin mole on a woman's shoulder that should be inspected by a dermatologist.

EARLY DETECTION = BETTER OUTCOMES

ABCDEs of skin cancer

It’s important to check your skin for suspicious moles once a month and report anything unusual to your health care provider.

Remember the ABCDE rule:

Asymmetry

One half of the mole doesn’t match the other

Border irregularity

The mole is uneven in shape with jagged, notched, or blurred edges

Color

The mole is not uniform in color

Diameter

The mole has a diameter greater than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)

Evolving

There’s any change in the size, shape, color or elevation or the mole, or you experience any new symptoms (such as bleeding, itching or crusting)