MATTAWA - Summer doesn't officially start until June 20th, however, our area will see a number of hot days before then.

June was the designated month nationally to increase awareness about melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Summer lasts a long time in this region and we need to remain vigilant.

Awareness has increased over the years; however, skin cancer rates continue to climb especially among white females.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends, in addition to regular visits to our medical provider, that we pay close attention to our skin by using the following ABCDEs for self-screening:

• Asymmetry (one half unlike the other half)
• Border (irregular, scalloped or poorly defined)
• Color (varies from one area to another, shades of tan and brown, black, sometimes white, red or blue.
• Diameter (the size of a pencil eraser or larger)
• Evolving (changing in size, shape or color)

The Othello Outlook published an article titled "Keep Your Eye on Your Skin" in the May 23rd edition of their newspaper. The article featured Cheryl Kresge, a cancer survivor who had surgery for lentigo maligna, a slow growing form of skin cancer, a year and a half ago.

Kresge grew up in Pennsylvania in an era when the dangers of sun exposure weren't as well known as they are today.

"I worked as a waitress on the Jersey Shore when I was in college," she recalls. "In our spare time we went to the beach; we used tanning oil, not sun screen."

The dangers are well known today; 90% of non melanoma skin cancers and 65% of melanomas are caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

There are things we can do to reduce our skin cancer risks including: Seeking the shade, avoiding sunburns and tanning booths, wearing protective clothing whenever possible, using sunscreen every day - especially for extended outdoor activity- and apply liberally and often. Sunscreen may be used on babies over the age of six months, but they should also be protected by shade and clothing.

Examine your skin head-to-toe every month and have a professional skin exam every year.