In Virginia Beach, Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month is an important time. I have had the unfortunate privilege of representing two families who each lost a husband and father as a result of melanoma that went undiagnosed by their doctors. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and the risk of an American developing melanoma is about 1 in 87, according to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
May 1 marks the beginning of skin cancer detection and prevention month. In Hampton Roads, with our many beaches and even many more tanning salons, it is critical to get yourself and loved ones checked for skin cancer. Checking and monitoring the ABCDEs of your skin are equally important.
A stands for the asymmetry of any moles on your skin.
B means checking the borders of any moles for irregularities.
C is the color of the mole and D is the diameter.
E, perhaps the most important letter of all, means to keep track of the Evolution (or changes) in any moles or spots on your skin.
Melanoma is a very aggressive skin cancer, but it is virtually 100% curable if it is diagnosed before it has spread beyond your skin. Pierce & Thornton has worked with some of the top melanoma experts in the country in representing clients who have been misdiagnosed in cancer cases. If you believe that you, a family member or friend may have been misdiagnosed by a doctor or hospital, call one of our attorneys today.