Dermatologist Doug Wilson, M.D., examines a patient for skin cancer.

Skin cancer affects more than 1 million Americans each year, making it the most common cancer in the U.S. Speedy detection and treatment can be the key to saving your life, and prevention is key to saving your skin.

“To detect skin cancer at an early stage, get familiar with your moles and birthmarks,” said Doug Wilson, M.D., dermatologist at Western Baptist Hospital. “Each month, check your body in the mirror for skin changes.”

When checking moles, these ABCs warrant a physician’s examination:

• Asymmetry—One side of the mole does not match the other.
• Border—A mole’s outline is jagged or blurry.
• Color—The mole has different shades of tan, black and brown.
• Diameter—The mole is larger than ¼ inch in diameter (about the size of a pencil eraser).
• Evolution—The mole’s color has changed over time.

While detection can save your life, prevention can reduce your chances of having skin cancer, Dr. Wilson said.

Follow these steps to save your skin:

• Avoid tanning booths at all times and exposure to the sun at mid-day if possible.
• Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, year round.
• Wear sunglasses.
• Choose tightly woven clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
• Wear a hat with at least a 6-inch brim all the way around.

For more information about skin cancer prevention and detection, visit our Online Health Encyclopedia at westernbaptist.com.