ABCDE skin cancer checks save lives Skin cancer affects one in five individuals, but an early diagnosis often leads to successful treatment. Know your risk factors and complete monthly ABCDE self-exams by checking: Asymmetry: Are moles or skin spots an odd shape?Border: Is the edge uneven? Color: Is it inconsistent or unusual? Diameter and Darkness: Is it large or really dark? Evolving: Has it recently changed? Answering yes does not necessarily mean you have cancer... It means you should see a