Ohio State Family Nurse Practitioner Students Promote Melanoma Awareness:
According to the CDC, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. If diagnosed and treated early, skin cancer is very curable. Unfortunately, if skin cancer is not diagnosed until later stages, it can result in disfigurement and even death. Each year over 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with melanomas of the skin. Please be aware of the amount of sun exposure you receive this year. You can help prevent skin cancer and still have fun in the sun outdoors by protecting your skin. Protection includes seeking shade, applying sunscreen, and wearing protecting clothing, hat and sunglasses. Remember the amount of sun exposure you get in your youth directly impacts your risk for skin cancer later in life.
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that you perform a full body skin exam on yourself once a month and that you have one done by your doctor/dermatologist once a year. Schedule an appointment with your doctor/dermatologist if you notice any mole or skin changes following the ABCD pattern of melanoma.
For additional information, please visit http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/early-detection/step-by-step-self-examination
Submitted by Ohio State Family Nurse Practitioner Students: Jennifer Ashton, Shannon Brown, Christopher Daughtery, and Amanda Warner
Help us spread the word, like our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/melanomaeducationandawareness
Reviewed by Tina Comston, M.Ed.
Photo Credit: www.skincancer.org