LIVEWELL MINUTE: Skin Cancer

Melanoma, cancerous skin cells often found in moles, are the second leading cause of death for women in their early thirties, but do you know what signs to look for?

Dr. Marnie Loftus, D.O., Ankeny Clinic says, “Many women just don’t know the differences between a normal mole and a potentially dangerous one.  Knowing these differences can save your skin.”

Learning to recognize danger signs in your moles are as easy as the ABC’s:

• A – Asymmetrical sides;
• B – Borders that are uneven;
• C – Colors that are different;
• D – Diameter greater than the size of a pencil eraser;
• E – Evolution or change over time.

Dr. Loftus says, “The key in identifying signs of possible melanoma is noticing any changes and bringing them up to your health care provider.”