SHADE Foundation of America
Dedicated to eradicating melanoma through the education of children
and the community in the prevention and detection of skin cancer
and the promotion of sun safety.
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Dermatologists

American Association of Dermatologists
Dermatologist Search

Dermatologists are an important part to detection and prevention of skin cancer. You should see a dermatologist if you:

  • Discover a lesion that looks suspicious
  • Have risk factors that increase your odds of developing skin cancer

Dermatologists are trained medical professionals that are qualified to diagnosis and treat skin conditions, including skin cancer. They are best able to evaluate and treat skin cancer.

Suspicious Lesions
With early detection and the appropriate treatment, skin cancer can be highly curable. However, if left untreated skin cancer can spread to other areas and become deadly. Self-examination is a key element to detecting and preventing the spread and damaging effects of skin cancer. More than half of all diagnosed melanomas are first identified by the patient.* Thus, understanding what to look for is important. Using a mirror, check your entire body for moles and other lesions that:

  • Have grown
  • Bleed and crust over continually but do not heal
  • Have changed
  • Look unusual

You should also seek attention if you notice brown to black-colored streaks underneath or bordering your nail, a pigmented mass in your mouth or a dark spot on an eye.*

High Risk Factors
High risks factors greatly increase the chances of developing skin cancer and along with performing self-examinations regular checkups with a dermatologists should be made. Risk factors include:

  • Relatives that have had or has melanoma
  • Personal history of skin cancer
  • History of exposure to UV rays- both natural and artificial, intermittent or year round
  • Several severe sunburns
  • Fair skin- especially blue, green or grey eyes and blond or red hair
  • Sun sensitive- burn and freckle
  • Large, asymmetrical moles
  • 50-plus moles
  • History of x-ray treatment for acne
  • Taking immunosuppressive medications for severe arthritis or to prevent organ rejection

* Information taken from the American Academy of Dermatology www.aad.org

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