According to the American Academy of Dermatology, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. It’s estimated that 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. 

What’s even more alarming is that on average, one American dies from melanoma every hour. So as summer draws near here is an easy way to check the moles, brown spots and growths on your body to make sure they are harmless.

A = Asymmetry
One half is unlike the other half.

B = Border
An irregular, scalloped or poorly defined border.

C = Color
Is varied from one area to another; has shades of tan, brown or black, or is sometimes white, red, or blue.

D = Diameter
Melanomas are usually greater than 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed, but they can be smaller.

E = Evolving
A mole or skin lesion that looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape or color.