BISMARCK CANCER CENTER ASK A PRO Q: How is Melanoma different from other types of skin cancer? A: There are three major types of skin cancers: basal cell carcinoma (BCC) squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. The first two skin cancers are grouped together as non-melanoma skin cancers and are tend to be less invasive and require less aggressive treatment compared to melanoma Melanoma often looks like a brown or black mole or birthmark. But melanoma has features that make it different from normal moles and birthmarks. Remember the abnormal features of melanoma by thinking of the letters A, B, C, D, and E . Asymmetry - One half can look different than the other half. . Border It can have a jagged or uneven edge. .Color It can have different colors. Diameter It is larger than the eraser on the end of a pencil. Evolution -Its size, color, or shape can change over time. Research shows that 90% of melanoma is caused by natural or artificial ultraviolet light. Therefore, it is recom- mended to decrease UV light exposure on bare skin. Easy ways to do this are stay out of the sun from 10AM-5PM and wear sunscreen and reapply often; wear appropriate clothing (wide brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts and pants); and avoid tanning beds. Dr. Cole Kreofsky, MD 701-222-6100 500 N 8th St, Bismarck bismarckcancercenter.com BISMARCK CANCER CENTER ASK A PRO Q: How is Melanoma different from other types of skin cancer? A: There are three major types of skin cancers: basal cell carcinoma (BCC) squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. The first two skin cancers are grouped together as non-melanoma skin cancers and are tend to be less invasive and require less aggressive treatment compared to melanoma Melanoma often looks like a brown or black mole or birthmark. But melanoma has features that make it different from normal moles and birthmarks. Remember the abnormal features of melanoma by thinking of the letters A, B, C, D, and E . Asymmetry - One half can look different than the other half. . Border It can have a jagged or uneven edge. .Color It can have different colors. Diameter It is larger than the eraser on the end of a pencil. Evolution -Its size, color, or shape can change over time. Research shows that 90 % of melanoma is caused by natural or artificial ultraviolet light . Therefore , it is recom- mended to decrease UV light exposure on bare skin. Easy ways to do this are stay out of the sun from 10AM-5PM and wear sunscreen and reapply often; wear appropriate clothing (wide brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts and pants); and avoid tanning beds. Dr. Cole Kreofsky, MD 701-222-6100 500 N 8th St, Bismarck bismarckcancercenter.com