Do you worry about your moles? Most people have anywhere between 10 and 40 moles on their body, and the good news is that most of those moles do not become cancerous. Moles can appear flat or raised, and can be pink, tan, brown or the same color as the skin.

Skin cancer accounts for almost 50% of all cancers in the U.S. There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Melanoma is not as common as the other two but is much more aggressive and can be fatal if not caught early.

The American Cancer Society reports that more than two million people are diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer each year, and about 70,000 are diagnosed with the more serious melanoma. Since the best way to prevent skin cancer is early detection, get familiar with the location, size and color of any moles on your body and be aware of any new or changing moles.

Recognizing Suspicious Moles

Abnormal moles, also known as dysplastic nevi, can develop into melanoma over time. Have your moles checked annually by a dermatologist, or by a doctor during an annual exam. Get in the habit of performing monthly self-exams by standing in front of a full-length mirror with a hand held mirror to check hard-to-see areas. Start at the head and scalp and slowly work your way all the way down to your toes. Note any moles that have changed in size or color, are itchy, bleeding or oozing discharge and have them examined by a dermatologist as soon as possible to determine if they should be removed.

When it comes to moles, learn your ABCD’s

When checking your skin for any new moles or changes in existing ones, use the following as a guide to recognize signs of a suspicious mole:

Asymmetry – one half of the mole looks different from the other half

Borders – edges appear notched, uneven or blurred

Color – the color is uneven with varying shades of brown, tan and black

Diameter – the mole is larger than 6mm, or the size of a pencil eraser

When should a mole be removed?

If you or your doctor notice any suspicious moles, the doctor will decide if the mole should be removed. Most moles are removed easily during a doctor’s office visit and might require a few stitches to close the area. Since most atypical moles are hereditary, everyone with a family history of melanoma should be vigilant about checking their moles frequently.

Most skin cancers are curable when detected and treated early. To learn more about the different types of skin cancer or to find a dermatologist anywhere in the U.S., download the free health app iTriage for your mobile device from the iTunes store or Android Market, or visit their website at www.iTriageHealth.com.