National Cancer Prevention Month
February is National Cancer Prevention Month, the perfect time to take a closer look at your skin and understand what’s normal when it comes to moles, and what may be a warning sign.
Moles are extremely common. Most adults have anywhere from 10 to 40 moles on their body, and the majority are harmless. Still, knowing what to watch for can help detect skin cancer early, when it’s most treatable.
What’s Considered Normal for Moles
- Are round or oval
- Have smooth, even borders
- Are one uniform color (tan, brown, or flesh-colored)
- Stay the same size over time
- Measure smaller than about 6 mm (roughly the size of a pencil eraser)
Some people naturally have darker or raised moles, and that can still be completely normal — especially if they’ve looked that way for years.
When a Mole Might Be Concerning
Dermatologists recommend using the ABCDE rule to spot potential warning signs:
A – Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other
B – Border: Edges are irregular, scalloped, or blurred
C – Color: Multiple colors or uneven shading
D – Diameter: Larger than 6 mm or growing
E – Evolving: Any change in size, shape, color, or symptoms
Changes are often the most important sign. A mole that suddenly grows, darkens, becomes itchy, bleeds, or looks different from your others should be evaluated.
The “Ugly Duckling” Sign
Another helpful rule: look for the mole that stands out.
Most of your moles will resemble each other. If one looks noticeably different, darker, larger, or shaped differently — it’s worth having it checked.
Who Should Be Extra Vigilant?
You may be at higher risk for skin cancer if you:
- Have fair skin or freckle easily
- Have a history of sunburns or tanning bed use
- Have many moles (especially 50+)
- Have a personal or family history of skin cancer
- Notice frequent changes in existing moles
Prevention Still Matters
Even if your moles look normal today, prevention helps reduce future risk:
- Wear SPF 30+ sunscreen daily
- Reapply every two hours when outdoors
- Wear hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing
- Avoid tanning beds
- Perform monthly self-skin checks
- When in Doubt, Get It Checked
Not every unusual mole is cancerous, but only a professional exam can confirm that. If you notice anything new, changing, or concerning, schedule a skin check.
Early detection saves lives, and a quick visit can bring peace of mind.
February is National Cancer Prevention Month, the perfect time to take a closer look at your skin and understand what’s normal when it comes to moles, and what may be a warning sign.
Moles are extremely common. Most adults have anywhere from 10 to 40 moles on their body, and the majority are harmless. Still, knowing what to watch for can help detect skin cancer early, when it’s most treatable.
What’s Considered Normal for Moles
- Are round or oval
- Have smooth, even borders
- Are one uniform color (tan, brown, or flesh-colored)
- Stay the same size over time
- Measure smaller than about 6 mm (roughly the size of a pencil eraser)
Some people naturally have darker or raised moles, and that can still be completely normal — especially if they’ve looked that way for years.
When a Mole Might Be Concerning
Dermatologists recommend using the ABCDE rule to spot potential warning signs:
A – Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other
B – Border: Edges are irregular, scalloped, or blurred
C – Color: Multiple colors or uneven shading
D – Diameter: Larger than 6 mm or growing
E – Evolving: Any change in size, shape, color, or symptoms
Changes are often the most important sign. A mole that suddenly grows, darkens, becomes itchy, bleeds, or looks different from your others should be evaluated.
The “Ugly Duckling” Sign
Another helpful rule: look for the mole that stands out.
Most of your moles will resemble each other. If one looks noticeably different, darker, larger, or shaped differently — it’s worth having it checked.
Who Should Be Extra Vigilant?
You may be at higher risk for skin cancer if you:
- Have fair skin or freckle easily
- Have a history of sunburns or tanning bed use
- Have many moles (especially 50+)
- Have a personal or family history of skin cancer
- Notice frequent changes in existing moles
Prevention Still Matters
Even if your moles look normal today, prevention helps reduce future risk:
- Wear SPF 30+ sunscreen daily
- Reapply every two hours when outdoors
- Wear hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing
- Avoid tanning beds
- Perform monthly self-skin checks
- When in Doubt, Get It Checked
Not every unusual mole is cancerous, but only a professional exam can confirm that. If you notice anything new, changing, or concerning, schedule a skin check.
Early detection saves lives, and a quick visit can bring peace of mind.
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