Take an extra moment today to check your moles because today is Melanoma Monday®.

Have your skin checked at least once per year with a dermatologist to avoid any type of skin cancer, especially if your skin has been or is overexposed to the sun or UV radiation from outdoor activities or indoor tanning. Check  for any moles with the following characteristics and remember these warning sign ABC’s in between:

Asymmetry: Half of the mole does not match the other half.

Border irregularity: The mole’s border is irregular or jagged.

Colors: The mole has a variety of colors such as shades of brown, tan, black, red or blue.

Diameter: The mole is 6 millimeters wide (about the width of a pencil eraser) or larger.

Evolution: The mole has either changed color or growth in width or height or the mole has become bloody, crusty or itchy.

If a mole anywhere on your skin or scalp displays any one or more of these warning signs have it checked and possibly biopsied by your dermatologist as soon as possible.