Page 32 - May 2021 Issue.indd

Tips, Classes and
H ealth C orner Programs to help

you live healthier!

D: Diameter. The mole is larger then
rates are on the Eastern and Western the end of a pencil eraser.
shores of The Chesapeake Bay and

Central Maryland counties. E: Elevated or Enlarged. Other
warning signs may iclude a sore that
May is Melanoma Awareness When diagnosed early, melanoma can doesn’t heal, a spread of color from the
Month be cured! It is also the most preventable border into neighboring skin, a change
type of cancer. in sensation in a mole such as itchiness,
Submitted by Leigh Marquess, RN, tenderness or pain, oozing or bleeding
Everyone has some risk for developing
Director for Wellness Promotions at the from a mole, and a brown or black spot
skin cancer, some more than others.
Caroline County Health Department. underneath a nail.

These include (1) light skin that burns
or freckles easily, (2) naturally light How to protect your skin
May brings outdoor living! Even with hair, blonde, red or light brown, (3) from the sun
the COVID-19 virus still present, light colored eyes, blue, green or grey, • Avoid direct sun when it is
gardens and farmland are being planted, (4) family history of skin cancer, and strongest, 10 am - 4 pm.
boats are being readied for summer (5) a history of sunburns as a child. One

crabbing and fishing, outside projects or two blistering sunburns as a child • Encourage your children to play
are underway, kids are playing outside doubles a person’s chance of developing in the shade.
and riding bikes until the sun goes melanoma later in life. (6) Tanning bed • Wear protective clothing such
down. Now and truly all year round is use. as a wide-brimmed hat, long
the time to build safe sun habits into sleeve shirt and UV protection
Dark-skinned people are more likely to
your family’s daily routine to prevent sunglasses.
get melanoma on palms of hands, soles
sun damage and potential skin cancer.
of feet, nail beds and lips. • Use 30 SPF UVA/UVB
Skin cancer is the most common type sunscreen. Keep an extra small
Recognize Melanoma! Know your
of cancer with more cases diagnosed bottle in your car, purse and kids
ABCDE’s!
each year than all other cancers backpack.

combined! There are three main types A: Asymmetry. One half of a mole
• Avoid tanning beds.
of skin cancer. Most are either Basal doesn’t look like the other.
cell or Squamous cell carcinoma. • Check your skin thoroughly once
B: Border. Irregular edges to a mole,
These seldom become life threatening. a month.

not defi ned.
Melanoma is less common but a more
Get to know your skin and your
serious cancer. It is responsible for C: Color. Different colors appear in own pattern of moles, freckles and

more than 75% of skin cancer deaths. the same mole. birthmarks. Have someone else check
In Maryland, the highest melanoma
your back and scalp and other places
that may be hard for you to see.
DOT/CDL Call your doctor if you find any new

or changing skin growths. Taking these
MEDICAL EXAMS steps will significantly reduce your

chances of developing skin cancer
and enjoying a happy, sunburn-free
Complying with New
summer!
Government Requirements
Th e Caroline County Health
FMCSA Certified Physician Department Wellness Programs,
funded in part through the Maryland
C.E. Jensen, MD
Prompt Cigarette Restitution Fund, provides
Service Competitive skin cancer education to the
Price 410-924-8560
community. If you have questions
Evenings and Saturdays by appointment related to skin cancer education or
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