B2B with a Twist Publication - Work • Stay • Play October Edition Work • Stay • Play November 2016 Edition | 页面 11

The ABCD of melanoma detection can be a useful guide when checking your skin. A is for Asymmetry - Look for spots that lack symmetry. That is, if a line was drawn through the middle, the two sides would not match up. B is for Border - A spot with a spreading or irregular edge (notched). C is for Colour - Blotchy spots with a number of colours such as black, blue, red, white and/or grey. D is for Diameter - Look for spots that are getting bigger. These are some changes to look out for when checking your skin for signs of any cancer: • New moles. • Moles that increases in size. • An outline of a mole that becomes notched. • A spot that changes colour from brown to black or is varied. • A spot that becomes raised or develops a lump within it. • The surface of a mole becoming rough, scaly or ulcerated. • Moles that itch or tingle. • Moles that bleed or weep. • Spots that look different from the others. Mole or skin cancer? Almost all of us have moles. Moles are not normally present at birth, but appear in childhood and early teenage years. By the age of 15, Australian children have an average of more than 50 moles. Normal moles usually look alike. See your doctor if a mole looks different or if a new mole appears after the age of 25. The more moles a person has, the higher the risk of melanoma. • Harmless coloured spots that range from 1mm to 10mm. • Uniform in shape and even coloured. May be raised. • The more moles or freckles you have the higher your risk of skin cancer. • May have uneven borders and multiple colours like brown and black. • Observe moles carefully for any sign of change. Although you may notice one or more skin changes, it does not necessarily mean that you have skin cancer, however it is important that you visit your GP to have them investigated further. Your GP can discuss your skin cancer risk and advise you on your need for medical checks or self-examination. It can be difficult to know whether something on your skin is a harmless mole or normal sun damage, or a sign of cancer. When in doubt, speak to your GP. Sourced from http://www.cancer.org.au/ November 2016 | Business 2 Business with a Twist 11