Now that summer is over, we tend to get less careful about sun exposure and think less about the dangers of skin cancer. Regardless of the season, women over 50 should be aware of the signs of skin cancer, how to spot it and when to seek a doctor’s care and advice.

Performing a self-exam is as easy as knowing your ABC’s or more specifically, the ABCD’s of skin cancer:

* A: Asymmetry — one half is unlike the other half.

* B: Border irregular — scalloped or poorly circumscribed border.

* C: Color varies from one area to another; shades of tan and brown; black; sometimes white, red or blue.

* D: Diameter larger than the diameter of a pencil eraser.

For illustrated examples of the ABCD’s of skin cancer, visit this site