2024-02-10 19:50:00

Kim Jong-eun, professor of dermatology at Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital, spoke regarding the ‘ABCDE rule’ that distinguishes between regular moles and skin cancer. / Shutterstock

Global warming is actually a problem that can be felt with our skin. This is because more ultraviolet rays pour in through the ozone layer, which is punctured by carbon dioxide, resulting in more skin cancer cases.

“UV rays are the main culprit of skin cancer,” said Kim Jong-eun, a professor of dermatology at Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital, who appeared on Chosun Ilbo’s medical YouTube content “This Gets Better.” He added, “When the ozone layer is destroyed by 1%, the number of skin cancer patients increases by 2%.”

In fact, the number of skin cancer patients in Korea is increasing every year. According to statistics from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the number of skin cancer patients in 2020 was 27,211, a 56% increase from 5 years ago.

In particular, among skin cancers, melanoma, which looks like a mole, can lead to death if left untreated.

Skin cancer has no symptoms such as itchiness or pain, so it is often overlooked as a mole, but unlike other skin cancers, melanoma is dangerous because it recurs and metastasizes easily.

So how do you distinguish between a regular mole and skin cancer? This can be known by the so-called ‘ABCDE rule’. It is an abbreviation for Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, and Evolving.

◇ ABCDE rule

· A(Asymmetry): Asymmetry

Asymmetry refers to a point that has an irregular shape, unlike a regular point. If a mole that was symmetrical appears to be asymmetrical, such as growing on one side, you should suspect melanoma.

· B(Border): border

The border between the edge of the mole and normal skin is clear. However, in the case of melanoma, the boundaries are often ambiguous.

· C(Color): Hue

If the color of the mole is not the same overall or has an abnormal color, such as a mixture of several colors, you should pay attention.

· D(Diameter): Size

In general, it is believed that the larger the mole, the greater the chance of developing melanoma.

This is because the larger the mole, the greater the number of cells that make up the mole, and the more likely they are to show abnormal changes. By Western standards, it is best to be suspicious of moles larger than 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser).

· E(Evolution): Change

If the above changes occur in the shape, size, or color of the mole, melanoma should be suspected.

A mole that appears on a young child grows while maintaining the same proportions as the body, but if the mole that appears in an adult continues to grow, you should pay attention to it.

◇ Skin cancer prevention method

If you consistently apply sunscreen to prevent skin damage, you can lower the incidence of skin cancer. / Shutterstock

Ultraviolet rays are the biggest cause of skin cancer. If you apply sunscreen consistently to prevent skin damage, you can lower the incidence of skin cancer. If you are outdoors for more than 3 hours, be sure to apply sunscreen and reapply it every hour.

Even on days when the sunlight is not strong, it is best to apply sunscreen because the amount of ultraviolet rays itself does not decrease significantly.

In addition, according to information published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, isoprenoids in foods such as fish, carrots, and citrus fruits have the effect of suppressing the proliferation of melanoma cells, so it is recommended to follow a diet.[End_mark]

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