More than 100,350 people are diagnosed with melanoma each year. Like all cancers, melanoma is important to catch the disease early to provide the best long term outcome. The five-year survival rate for people with melanoma that has not spread (or metastasized) is 98 percent. However, if the disease is not caught early the survival rate drops significantly. One positive is that melanoma can be seen with a visual exam so you can often catch it early by paying attention to changes in your body.

Because melanoma can be detected visually it is important to routinely check your body for moles, freckles, and other body marks. Create a body marking chart and track all changes that you can see with a visual review. Ask a family member or close friend to check hard to view areas of the body such as your back, upper thigh, and scalp. Change is a mole’s color, shape, diameter, or texture can be an early sign of melanoma. It is important to note in your journal any changes that occur in the shape, size, color or borders of the moles or other body marks. Doctor’s recommend noting the ABCDEs of a mole, for instance:

• Asymmetry: noting if one side of a mole matches the other side.
• Border: if the edge of the mole is fuzzy or misshaped.
• Color: noting a mole with various coloring throughout.
• Diameter: change in size of the mole or any mole larger than a pencil eraser.
• Evolving: any change is the size, shape or color of the mole.

Your notes will be especially important when you consult your physician. Pay attention to these early warning symptoms of melanoma:

1. Redness or swelling
Moles are typically a single shade of brown, tan or black. Early indications of melanomas are varying shades of browns and black, but as the disease progresses you will see white, red and even blue mole coloring. If you notice redness or swelling in a mole you should note and consult a medical professional.

2. Pigment that spreads outside the border of a mole
A typical mole can be flat or raised with even borders. Melanoma moles often have uneven borders. Note moles that have jagged or scallop shaped edges.

3. Itchiness
Itching is the most common early symptom of melanoma. Itching is caused by the cancer irritating the nerves in the skin.

4. Tenderness or pain
If you are experiencing pain or sensitivity around a mole you should have it checked by a physician.

5. Oozing or bleeding from an existing mole
Most moles are smooth, if you notice a mole beginning to crust, ooze fluids, or bleed you should make an appointment to show a medical professional.