Make a Mole Map

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has just released a new tool to help you locate, describe, and keep track of moles on your skin over time.

Why is this important? Moles (technically called "nevi") are by definition non-cancerous but they can evolve into melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer, which kills over 8,000 Americans per year. Melanoma can be cured, but only if it's detected early. Often, the first sign of melanoma is a change in the size, shape, or color of an existing mole. The "ABCDE" rule can be used to help remember what to watch for. Especially if you have one or more melanoma risk factors, experts recommend a skin self-exam at least once per year to monitor your moles and other skin lesions.

The AAD's easy-to-read body mole map contains a visual guide to examining your skin, photographs of what melanoma looks like and how it evolves, a chart that can be used to track your moles, and helpful tips on how to prevent skin cancer. It's a worthwhile download.