05/20/2026
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month ☀️🩺
Did you know your dental visit is about more than just your teeth? During routine exams, we also evaluate the lips, face, neck, and soft tissues inside the mouth for anything unusual that could be a sign of oral cancer or skin cancer.
At Big Country Family Dental, we carefully monitor for:
• Unusual sores or lesions
• Changes in tissue color or texture
• Persistent dry, cracked, or scaly areas on the lips
• Spots that don’t heal
• Swelling or abnormal growths
Because the lips and surrounding facial tissues are exposed to the sun daily, dental professionals are often one of the first healthcare providers to notice suspicious changes. Early detection can make a huge difference.
The ABCDEs of Skin Cancer to watch for:
🔍 A — Asymmetry: one half doesn’t match the other
🔍 B — Border: irregular, blurred, or uneven edges
🔍 C — Color: multiple colors or uneven coloring
🔍 D — Diameter: larger than 6mm or growing
🔍 E — Evolving: changing in size, shape, color, or symptoms
Ways to help protect yourself:
☀️ Wear SPF lip balm and sunscreen daily
🧢 Use hats and sun protection outdoors
🚭 Avoid to***co products
🪥 Keep up with regular dental exams and oral cancer screenings
Your oral health is connected to your overall health — and we are always looking out for both. 💙