Summer is the time of the year where most like to go out and have some fun in the sun. But while you’re enjoying that sun, remember to continue working to keep the skin cancer away.
One in five people will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. It's up to all of us to look for the signs.
"Melanoma is one of the most common forms of skin cancer and it's definitely the most deadly,” said board certified dermatologist Dr. Kate Ross.
Ross says follow the “A-B-C-D-E's” of the disease. Moles should be asymmetrical, have a clean boarder, no more than two colors, diameter smaller than a pencil eraser, and perhaps the most important:
"E is evolving so changing in a mole,” Ross said.
But it's not just your skin you need to worry about. Ross says 10 percent of melanoma occurs in the eyes. Blurred vision and streaks through your eyes or nails are signs of concern.
Sunbathers are encouraged to be safe and reapply sunscreen every one to two hours when enjoying the outdoors. Melanoma peaks at age 40 or 50, but patients in their 20's are arriving more and more in doctor’s offices.
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Melanoma is genetic, with doctors advising you to get annual skin screenings beginning in your 20's if it runs in your family.
