Skin Cancer Info
Dr. Dennis Gross X
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Join Us In Our Mission To Spread Melanoma Awareness
Dr. Dennis Gross is proud to support Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and their innovative research, pledging a $150,000 donation to fund melanoma fellowships and research studies with the goal to develop more effective strategies to prevent, contro l and ultimately cure cancer.
Dr. Dennis Gross's Career Path:
Melanoma Researcher to Dermatologist
What is Melanoma?
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. It is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of pigment producing cells (see below for how to identify a suspicious spot). Melanomas may appear on the skin suddenly without warning or develop within an existing mole. Melanoma is highly treatable when detected early. Our goal at Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare is to spread awareness on melanoma to help people identify and treat this cancer in its early stages.
A, B, C, D, E's of Melanoma
HOW TO IDENTIFY SUSPICOUS SPOTS
A is for Asymmetry
one half of the spot you’re examining is different from the other half
B is for Border
the spot you’re examining has an irregular, scalloped or poorly defined border
C is for Color
the color of the spot you’re examining varies from one area to the next. This could include shares of tan, brown or black, as well as areas of white, red or blue
D is for Diameter
while melanoma spots are typically greater than six millimeters, or about the size of a pencil eraser, they can be smaller upon diagnosis
E is for Evolving
the spot looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape, or color
A is for Asymmetry
one half of the spot you’re examining is different from the other half
B is for Border
the spot you’re examining has an irregular, scalloped or poorly defined border
C is for Color
the color of the spot you’re examining varies from one area to the next. This could include shares of tan, brown or black, as well as areas of white, red or blue
D is for Diameter
while melanoma spots are typically greater than six millimeters, or about the size of a pencil eraser, they can be smaller upon diagnosis
E is for Evolving
the spot looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape, or color
Practice Sun Safety
USE SPF DAILY
Use sunscreen daily with an SPF 30 or higher + opt for shade when available
AVOID TANNING + UV BEDS
Limit exposure to the sun and manufactured UV light
ENHANCE SUN PROTECTION
Use a wide brim hat, sunglasses and clothing that covers arms and legs
SCHEDULE SKIN CHECKS
Get checked at least once per year with your dermatologist + conduct a monthly head-to-toe skin check at home
USE SPF DAILY
Use sunscreen daily with an SPF 30 or higher + opt for shade when available
AVOID TANNING + UV BEDS
Limit exposure to the sun and manufactured UV light
ENHANCE SUN PROTECTION
Use a wide brim hat, sunglasses and clothing that covers arms and legs
SCHEDULE SKIN CHECKS
Get checked at least once per year with your dermatologist + conduct a monthly head-to-toe skin check at home
Test Your SPF Knowledge
ALL SKIN TONES
Should Practice Sun Safety:
Identify Your Skin Tone Based On Its Reaction To Sun
The Fitzpatrick Scale
Select Your Skin Type
What To Expect When You Visit Your Derm For A Skin Check
This routine check up is quick, easy and key to catching skin cancer in its early stages.
Want To Do A Skin Check At Home?
HERE'S HOW!
PRO TIP: If you have a dark skin skin tone (Fitzpatricks V-VI) be sure to check your palms, soles, and under nails - you are at higher risk to develop skin cancer on parts of the body that get less sun
Examine the back of your neck and scalp with a hand mirror. Part hair for a closer look.
Bend your elbows and look carefully at forearms, underarms, and palms.
Check your back and buttocks with a hand mirror.
Look at the backs of your legs and feet, the spaces between your toes, and the soles of your feet.
Examine the back of your neck and scalp with a hand mirror. Part hair for a closer look.
Bend your elbows and look carefully at forearms, underarms, and palms.
Check your back and buttocks with a hand mirror.
Look at the backs of your legs and feet, the spaces between your toes, and the soles of your feet.
PRO TIP: If you have a dark skin skin tone (Fitzpatricks V-VI) be sure to check your palms, soles, and under nails - you are at higher risk to develop skin cancer on parts of the body that get less sun
