Melanoma Monday is still a thing!

As we watch our new normal evolve, we must, amid this chaos, remember to take control of our own personal health and well-being. Something so vital cannot get lost in this coronavirus madness.

The first Monday of May we have always promoted ‘Melanoma Monday’ – a conscious reminder to take care of our skin and prevent melanoma, one of the least common but most deadly forms of skin cancer. Our dermatologists and residents would block time out of their busy clinic schedules to freely offer spot checks to our employees and the community who had a concern about a mole that seemed to change or become suspicious. We can’t offer this free service in 2020, but we can still remind you to check out your moles and look for the ABCDEs:

• A = Asymmetry – one half of the mole is unlike the other half
• B = Border – the edge or border of the mole is irregular or blurred
• C = Color – the color is not uniform with shades of black, brown, tan and sometimes red, white and blue
• D = Diameter – the mole is greater than 6 mm (the size of a pencil eraser) although melanomas can be smaller
• E = Evolving – a mole that is changing or evolving or looks different than the others

Facts:

• One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime
• Invasive melanoma is projected to be the fifth most common cancer for men, the seventh most common cancer for women and the second most common form of cancer in females age 15-29
• Melanoma is highly treatable when detected early
• Although melanomas can develop anywhere on your body, areas exposed to sunlight are more susceptible
• Melanoma accounts for 5% of all skin cancers and 71% of skin cancer deaths
• Although anyone can get melanoma, the risk is much higher for fair skinned redheads and blonds with blue or green eyes or skin that freckles or burns easily
• Men over the age of 50 have a higher risk of developing melanoma than the general population

If you have suspicions or concerns about a mole, consider a Video Visit with one of our dermatologists. If there is reason to consider a biopsy, a clinic visit is available.

We hope to offer Melanoma Monday 2021 with personal and free spot checks. Until then, stay safe and take care of your skin. Thank you from Hennepin Healthcare Dermatology.

Jing (Jenny) Liu, MD

Erin Luxenberg-Hammer, MD

Sara Hylwa, MD