Summer, with added exposure to the strong rays of the sun, is a good time to boost your radar about skin cancer, particularly melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

The American Academy of Dermatology has developed “ABCDE” as an easy way to guide yourself through melanoma detection.

The letters represent characteristics of moles.

A is for Asymmetry, meaning a mole for which one half is not like the other.

B is for a Border that is irregular, scalloped or poorly defined.

C is for Color that varies in a mole.

D is for Diameter, an indicator if the mole is the size of a pencil eraser or larger.

E is for a mole that is Evolving or changing in size, shape or color. When detected early, most skin cancers can be successfully treated.

Performing regular skin self-examinations is an easy way to detect suspicious moles that could be cancerous. Involving a partner in the self-examination process can improve the early detection of skin cancer.

Respecting the sun and using a “broad spectrum” sunscreen that blocks both UV-A and UV-B rays is one good way to help prevent skin cancer. And remember that the sun’s radiation can burn deeply even on cloudy or hazy days.