As the weather heats up, the blistering sun serves as a reminder to apply sunscreen and to carefully examine your moles for symptoms of skin cancer. But before you do, make sure you know what to look for. The American Academy of Dermatology recently released a study showing that only about half of Americans know how to detect signs of skin cancer or skin abnormalities.

Researchers administered a survey to over 1,100 participants, and only about 600 could correctly describe a correct method of checking for skin cancer. The statistic is particularly alarming because skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States with 2 million new diagnoses every year. Additionally, the number of skin cancer victims is rising, especially among young people, due to the increasing popularity of indoor tanning.

The best way to keep your skin healthy is to avoid tanning, wear and re-apply sunscreen when outdoors, and knowing how to examine your skin for abnormal skin cells. During a routine check of the moles on your body, remember your ABCDEs: Asymmetry, Borders that are uneven, Color variance, Diameter larger than ¼ inch, and Evolving or changing moles. For more information on keeping your skin health, you should contact Zimmet Vein & Dermatology today.