Columbus, Ga. (May 3, 2024)— The John B. Amos Cancer Center hosted a free skin cancer screening on May 3 at the Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown Campus Conference Center in partnership with Southeast Dermatology Specialists.

May is Melanoma/Skin Cancer Awareness Month; 68 people used the screening as the perfect time to protect the skin they're in and get checked.

“Have you noticed an unusual mole or spot on your body? It's important to keep an eye on any changes in your skin and get them checked by a dermatologist,” said Kim Connally, PA-C, with Southeast Dermatology Specialists. “Don't wait until it's too late.”

It's important to remember the A-B-C-D-Es of melanoma when performing your own skin checks:

• A is for Asymmetry: One half of the spot is unlike the other half.

• B is for Border: The spot has an irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined border.
• C is for Color: The spot has varying colors from one area to the next, such as shades of tan, brown or black, or areas of white, red, or blue.
• D is for Diameter: While melanomas are usually greater than 6 millimeters, or about the size of a pencil eraser, when diagnosed, they can be smaller.
• E is for Evolving: The spot looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape, or color.

If you notice any new spots on your skin, spots that are different from others, or spots that are changing, itching or bleeding, make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist.