May is Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month. Did you know you can use CaptureProof to create a visual health record of moles and skin discoloration?

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime. Consider that 90% of nonmelanoma skin cancers are associated with high exposure to UV radiation from the sun (which means 90% of nonmelanoma skin cancers are preventable!) WebMD reports that Melanoma (a severe type of skin cancer) often starts as a change in skin or a mole growth.

In order to catch changes in moles and skin growth, monthly self skin exams are recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. You can use CaptureProof's free app to take photos of any moles or skin growths that you have concerns about. The CaptureProof app will create a visual record of the mole growth and skin growths that you have photographed. You can use the app to compare photos to monitor over time. CaptureProof is a great tool to take to your dermatologist and share the progression in photos since your last appointment.

• Asymmetry. One half doesn't match the appearance of the other half.
• Border irregularity. The edges are ragged, notched, or blurred.
• Color. The color is not uniform. Shades of tan, brown, and black are present. Dashes of red, white, and blue add to a mottled appearance.
• Diameter. The size of the mole is greater than 1/4 inch (6 mm), about the size of a pencil eraser. Any growth of a mole should be evaluated.
• Evolution. There is a change in the size, shape, symptoms (such as itching or tenderness), surface (especially bleeding), or color of a mole.

The Skin Cancer Foundation has a video that shows how to perform a skin self-exam:

Step by Step Self-Examination - SkinCancer.org

• Always wear sunscreen (minimum SPF 15).
• Protect your skin by wearing long sleeves and long pants during sun exposure.
• Always wear a hat and sunglasses.
• Avoid sun exposure during the hottest part of the day (10am-3pm).
• Skip the tanning beds.

The CaptureProof app is available on iOS and Google Play and always free for patients to use. Download today to start tracking your health!