Be Skin Cancer Aware

Skin cancer is caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, mostly from the sun. It is the most common type of cancer.

Signs for Basal & Squamous Cell Skin Cancers

• Small, smooth, shiny, pale or waxy lump

• Firm red lump

• Lump that bleeds or develops a crust

• A flat, red spot that is rough, dry or scaly and may become itchy or tender

These types of skin cancer are less common in people with darker skin color. When they occur, the skin changes are similar but often darker in color.

Signs of Melanoma (A, B, C, D, E)

A. Asymmetry. The shape of one half does not match the other.

B. Border - The edges are ragged, notched, or blurred.

C. Color - The color is uneven.

D. Diameter - The size changes and is often bigger than a pencil eraser.

E. Evolving lesion - This is one that changes size, shape, shades of color or symptoms, or has surface bleeding.