Every year more than 1 million Americans are affected by skin cancer and every hour an American will die from melanoma, the most lethal form of skin cancer. Fortunately, melanoma is nearly always curable if detected at an early, and therefore treatable, stage. And that is where MoleSafe can help.

MoleSafe is a worldwide service that uses a new technology developed in conjunction with leading experts in the field of melanoma.

The process begins with a comprehensive full-body checkup to assess your skin, using digital imaging and dermoscopy scans to produce a digital melanogram.

This melanogram is then examined and diagnosed by a MoleSafe dermatologist. Regular follow-up examinations refer to your stored melanogram and allow comparisons of the scans over time, detecting any problems at an early stage.

MoleSafe’s diagnosis can be more accurate than a regular clinical inspection. This means there’s less guesswork over time. We will detect important sub-surface features and changes in existing moles as well as the appearance of any new moles or lesions. MoleSafe’s accuracy can help in reducing unnecessary excision by providing another opinion before you have a lesion removed.

A MoleSafe procedure is conducted by a trained melanographer who examines you from head to toe, taking a combination of high resolution clinical and dermoscopy images of different sections of your body.

This gives an accurate record of the distribution and locations of lesions, linked with individual diagnostic images, as well as your overall skin condition – the MoleSafe melanogram. We will also assess your relevant risk factors and skin history, and teach you about your skin and what to look for between visits.

After your examination, your digital melanogram, including your records, is sent via a secure network to our MoleSafe central melanoma screening database and reviewed by MoleSafe’s international panel of melanoma dermatologists for assessment and diagnosis. A report is then prepared for you and your doctor, which includes:

• Comments and recommendations for the treatment or monitoring of suspicious lesions
• Printouts of lesions requiring treatment
• A general melanoma risk rating
• A recommended MoleSafe follow-up program

Your digital melanogram is then archived until your next visit.

Melanoma is most common in people of European descent, especially those with fair skin. The American Academy of Dermatologists recommends that people with many moles, odd-looking moles, or a personal or family history of melanoma have regular skin checks, and that is where MoleSafe can help.

You should also consider a MoleSafe examination if you have used sun beds, spend time in the sun or were sunburnt frequently when younger. One serious incidence of sunburn as a child can double melanoma risk in later life.

Exposure to sunlight is the leading cause of skin cancer. So always wear sunscreen of SPF30 or more, complemented by a hat and light clothing, when you’re in the sun. If you have children, remember that it’s important to protect their skin too. Skin cancer and melanoma are more treatable when caught early, so make sure you also examine your body regularly. If you happen to spot changes in skin pigmentation, non-healing scabs or sores, new moles or moles that change appearance, seek immediate medical advice either from your physician or through the MoleSafe information line.

For more information, call 1-877-MOLESAFE. MoleSafe does not require a physician referral.

MoleSafe is a service of the Star and Barry Tobias Health Awareness Center, located in the Star and Barry Tobias Ambulatory Campus (901 West Main Street).

Parking for the Health Awareness Center. Turn into the main entrance of CentraState Medical Center. Go to your left and follow the signs for Parking Lot North. Park in Parking Lot North and enter Building "B". Follow the hallway until you reach the lobby. Once you reach the lobby, turn to your right and the Health Awareness Center is the first door on your right hand side, Suite 100.

Call (732) 308-0570 for more information.