Summer’s almost here! Massage therapists in NJ know that summer can be hard on skin, whether you like to hide in air conditioning, or bake in the sun. But for sunbathers, there is an additional challenge: an increased risk of skin cancer. In fact, May is national Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Why do massage therapists care so much about this? We work with your body, including muscles, ligaments, and lots and lots of skin! Since we see places you might not notice, we are often the first person to let you know if something looks unusual. How can you avoid skin cancer? Keep an eye out for these ABCDE-signs of unusual moles, and follow the prevention tips below.

Massage Therapists in Sparta Teach Your Skin Cancer ABCs

How can you reduce your risk for skin cancer? Most skin cancer starts out small, looking like a mole, wart, new freckle, or persistent sore. But if it grows in any of the ways outlined below, it’s time to see a doctor!

A: Asymmetry: Moles or skin features should be symmetrical, or nearly a mirror image on both sides. If one side is much bigger, larger, or shaped differently than the other, this could be a dangerous mole.

B: Border: Moles and freckles should have a clear, regular border that covers the entire area. A skin concern with an irregular pattern, that looks “chewed on,” “rough,” or “notched” may indicate a problematic skin issue.

C: Color: Your skin loves consistency, so a consistently colored mole or wart is a good sign. While skin tags or moles can be brown, black, tan, or red, a mole that has a mix of colors is a bad sign. No matter what color or pattern, if the mole changes color, this is a problem that requires immediate medical attention!

D: Diameter: If you have a skin issue that is larger than a pencil eraser, it needs evaluation.

E: Evolving: If you have a mole or skin problem that grows, changes shapes, changes colors, or starts to hurt or itch suddenly, a doctor should check it out. This could be skin cancer.

Skin-Healthy Tips

Performing a self-check and examining your body at least weekly is an important part of maintaining healthy skin. If you notice anything unusual, schedule a visit with your primary care provider or dermatologist immediately. Most of the time, moles and “new freckles” are benign, leaving you with a sense of relief. But for the few that are not benign, the sooner you begin treatment, the better your health will be. Always use sunscreen, and make sure to reapply regularly—every 2 hours!—when you are in the sun. Sunscreen fabrics, which block sun and UV rays physically, can be even more convenient and all-natural.

Don’t let skin cancer get the upper hand! Make regular skin self-checks a part of your wellness routine, just like your regular massage therapy visit in Sparta. Self-care starts with yourself!