Do you know when to schedule a doctor’s visit to talk more about changes to your skin? May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Melanoma Monday helps to kick off the moment as it highlights melanoma. It is the deadliest type of skin cancer. Skin cancer is often first detected when people notice changes to their skin. You have a better chance if you check your skin regularly and can easily spot a sign.

Here are the facts (according to the Skin Cancer Foundation):

1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by their 70th birthday
Every hour, there are more than 2 people who will die of skin cancer
If you have 5 or more sunburns, you have doubled your risk for melanoma
Early detection matters: there is a 99% 5-year survival rate

Dr. Anant Joshi at Advanced Foot Care of NJ, LLC is here to help you reduce your risk. Starting with your daily foot checks, here are three signs that you may need to talk about skin cancer with your doctor. We want you to let us know if you see something new, changing, or unusual. These are the factors for The Big See campaign with the Skin Cancer Foundation.

What’s new?

Do you see anything new on your skin? We understand that our bodies can change but take note of new spots or moles that appear after you’ve turned 21. Always talk to your doctor.

Check your skin monthly, from head-to-toe
Check your feet daily

What’s changing?

Focus on these four categories: color, shape, size, and texture. When thinking about skin changes, look for moles and blemishes that have changes in the categories we listed.

Don’t ignore changes
Take notes during inspections

What’s unusual?

You know your body. This Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we want you to feel empowered to pick up the phone and call the doctor. We all know the benefits of early prevention.