When you are looking at a mole, do you know what to look for that might indicate skin cancer?  Here's a memory tool to help you.  And if you're not sure sure if a mole is normal or not, get it checked!

Summer is in full swing, and it’s a good time for a reminder about skin cancer. When you are looking at a mole, do you know what to look for?  ABCDE is a good memory tool (it’s what Karole learned in NP school!) that helps identify which mole is okay and which should be evaluated.

A—stands for Asymmetrical shape.  Benign moles have symmetrical shapes.  Skin cancer is often irregular, or not symmetrical.

B—stands for Border.  Non-cancerous moles typically have smooth, even borders.  Cancerous moles usually have irregular borders that are difficult to define.

C—stands for Color.  Cancerous moles generally have more than one color (blue, black, brown, tan, etc.).  Non-cancerous moles are usually a single shade of brown or tan.

D—stands for Diameter.  Non-cancerous moles are usually less than 6 mm across the widest point (about the size of a pencil eraser.)  Cancerous moles are usually larger than 6 mm in diameter.

E—stands for Evolution.  Non-cancerous moles generally do not change.  Learn how your moles look.  If your mole is changing (size, color, etc.), have it evaluated by a medical professional.

In no way do these signs automatically mean you have skin cancer.  But it’s always a good idea to get checked if you have suspicions.