Moles and Melanoma

Serving Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Grimsby and surrounding areas

How to recognize a ‘Bad’ mole:

  • ‘A’ – Asymmetrical shape (one half of the mole is not identical to the other)
  • ‘B’ – Border that is irregular, notched or ‘fuzzy’
  • ‘C’ – Colour – more than one colour (brown, black, white, pink, blue)
  • ‘D’ – Diameter – greater than 6 mm (the size of a pencil eraser)
  • ‘E’ – Evolution – a mole in which one of the above characteristics is changing
  • A mole with some of these features is not necessarily a skin cancer, but should be checked by your doctor
  • Examine your skin once per month
  • Stand undressed, three feet in front of a full-length mirror, any moles that you cannot see from three feet away are generally nothing to worry about
  • Try to recognize patterns of the moles in your skin
  • Use a small hand held mirror combined with the full-length mirror to look at your back and the backs of your legs
    • These are the most common locations for melanoma
  • Look for the appearance of new moles and the features described above in the description of “bad” moles
  • Follow up with your doctor at least once a year to have your moles checked
    • If you have any moles that are changing or that you are worried about, you should have them checked sooner

Prevention of Skin Cancer:

  • Wear a hat with a broad brim and protective clothing (e.g. long sleeves)
  • Avoid the outdoors when the sun is strongest between the hours of 10 am to 3 pm
  • Use a sunscreen year round with an SPF of at least 30
  • Wear a sunscreen which resists water and sweating and which protects against both UVA and UVB
  • Reapply sunscreen every hour if you are in water or sweating heavily
  • Wear sunscreen even if you are in the shade, it is still possible to burn
  • Avoid tanning beds
    • The ultraviolet light from tanning beds is known to cause skin cancer

What if you are interested to learn more?

If you would like to learn more please phone the aesthetic centre directly at (905) 549-7873 to book a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable technicians or

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