Melanoma Awareness Month – Protect, Prevent and Treat Your Skin!
Melanoma Awareness Month – Protect, Prevent and Treat Your Skin!
- posted: May 03, 2025
May is Melanoma Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on a serious but mostly treatable form of skin cancer if detected early. At Nashville Dermatology Physicians in Brentwood, Tennessee, Dr. Jeffrey Berti and Dr. Toula Berti are passionate about helping our community stay informed and proactive about skin health, they have seen firsthand how early diagnosis can save lives. Whether you live in Franklin, Nolensville, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Green Hills, Forest Hills, or anywhere in the Greater Nashville area, we’re here to guide you in protecting your skin. Let’s dive into what melanoma is, how to spot it, ways to prevent it, and why family history matters—plus why our practice is your trusted partner in skin care.
What is Melanoma?
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that starts in the melanocytes, the cells that give your skin its color. While it’s less common than other skin cancers like basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma, it’s more dangerous because it can spread to other parts of the body if not caught early. In the U.S., melanoma cases are on the rise, with thousands diagnosed each year. The good news? When detected early, melanoma is highly treatable. That’s why awareness and regular skin checks are so critical.
What Does Melanoma Look Like?
Spotting melanoma early starts with knowing what to look for. A simple way to check your skin is to follow the
"ABCDE rule" for moles or growths:
- A symmetry: One half doesn’t match the other.
- B order: Edges are irregular, ragged, or notched.
- C olor: Multiple colors (brown, black, red, white, or blue) or uneven shades.
- D iameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser), though smaller spots can also be melanoma.
- E volving: Any change in size, shape, or color over time.
We encourage everyone to do a monthly self-exam—grab a mirror or ask your family member or friend and check hard-to-see spots like your back or scalp. But here’s the thing: not every melanoma follows these rules. Some look like a harmless freckle or a new bump. That’s where Drs. Berti come in, with Mayo Clinic, University of Wisconsin training, board-certification and decades of experience, we know how to spot the subtle signs that might escape the untrained eye. If you notice anything unusual, don’t wait—schedule a visit at our Brentwood office, Nashville Dermatology Physicians.
How to Potentially Avoid Melanoma
Living in Tennessee, we all love our sunny days, but too much sun exposure is a major risk factor for melanoma. Here are some practical ways to protect your skin:
- Time it right. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon when possible.
- Cover up. Wear long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Sun-protective clothing is a game-changer.
- Skip the tanning beds. They’re like a direct hit of UV radiation, which can damage your skin and increase your melanoma risk.
- Sunscreen. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) even on cloudy days if you will be outdoors for extended periods of time. Reapply every two hours if you’re outside. However, we all need to realize that sunscreen alone is not enough, in fact, some are hypothesizing, too much sunscreen may not be a good idea either. More research is needed, hence the reason to follow good old fashioned common sense and avoid too much sun exposure as pointed out above.
-Regular skin checks are also a must. If you spend a lot of time outdoors—whether you’re hiking in Green Hills, fishing in Clarksville, or cheering at a game in Murfreesboro—make an annual visit to a dermatologist part of your routine. At Nashville Dermatology Physicians, we make it easy with comprehensive screenings tailored to your needs. Your moles are examined closely and some may be biopsied to find out if dysplasia (atypical mole) is present, providing great information for both patient and physician, indicating a slightly increase risk for melanoma for this particular person.
-Healthy lifestyle including balanced diet, including vitamin D: We know the importance of eating healthy, minimally processed foods. Although this is difficult, it is very important to know all the food we eat may play a role in our overall health and also may play a role either promoting or inhibiting cancer, not just skin cancer. It is all about the inflammation. Inflammatory foods propagate cancer. The medical community is now waking up to the fact that many 'blue zones' and holistic therapists have hypothesized to be true for years....good sensible diet, exercise, sleep and believe it, spending healthy amounts of time outside living in harmony with the sun! All of those activities lead to healthier lives with less cancers.
The Role of Family History
Did you know your family history can play a big role in your melanoma risk? If a close relative, like a parent or sibling, has had melanoma or other skin cancers, your chances of developing it are higher. This is often due to inherited gene mutations or shared lifestyle habits, like spending lots of time in the sun. I’ve had patients in Franklin and Nolensville share stories of a parent’s melanoma diagnosis, and it’s a wake-up call for them to get screened. If you have a family history, let us know during your visit. Dr. Jeffrey and I will create a personalized screening plan to catch any issues early. For high-risk folks, early detection isn’t just important—it’s lifesaving.
Why Choose Dr. Jeffrey and Dr. Toula Berti?
When it comes to your skin, you deserve care you can trust. Dr. Jeffrey Berti and Dr. Toula Berti founded Nashville Dermatology Physicians to bring a personal, compassionate, individualized approach to dermatology. After running successful practices in the Midwest for 20 years, they now are located in Brentwood to serve the Greater Nashville area.
What sets us apart? Our Mayo Clinic training and years of experience coupled with a concept to be a locally owned and operated practice has led to a personalized exceptional experience...When you call our office, you’ll talk to our team member, not a call center. We take the time to listen, explain your options, and make sure you feel confident in your care. Whether you’re dealing with a suspicious mole or want advice on sun protection, we’re here to help.
Serving the Greater Nashville Area
Located at 1001 Health Park Drive, Suite 470, Brentwood, TN 37027, the office s conveniently located for patients across the Greater Nashville area.
No matter where you are, we’re just a short drive away and we’ll work with you to find a convenient appointment time. Your skin health is worth it.
Take Action This May
Melanoma Awareness Month is the perfect time to prioritize your skin. A quick skin check could make all the difference. Early detection saves lives. Here’s to a sun-safe, healthy life!
Contact our office at 615.212.2517 or request an appointment on our website, www.NashvilleDermatologyPhysicians.com.
Melanoma Awareness Month – Protect, Prevent and Treat Your Skin!
- posted: May 03, 2025
May is Melanoma Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on a serious but mostly treatable form of skin cancer if detected early. At Nashville Dermatology Physicians in Brentwood, Tennessee, Dr. Jeffrey Berti and Dr. Toula Berti are passionate about helping our community stay informed and proactive about skin health, they have seen firsthand how early diagnosis can save lives. Whether you live in Franklin, Nolensville, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Green Hills, Forest Hills, or anywhere in the Greater Nashville area, we’re here to guide you in protecting your skin. Let’s dive into what melanoma is, how to spot it, ways to prevent it, and why family history matters—plus why our practice is your trusted partner in skin care.
What is Melanoma?
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that starts in the melanocytes, the cells that give your skin its color. While it’s less common than other skin cancers like basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma, it’s more dangerous because it can spread to other parts of the body if not caught early. In the U.S., melanoma cases are on the rise, with thousands diagnosed each year. The good news? When detected early, melanoma is highly treatable. That’s why awareness and regular skin checks are so critical.
What Does Melanoma Look Like?
Spotting melanoma early starts with knowing what to look for. A simple way to check your skin is to follow the
"ABCDE rule" for moles or growths:
- A symmetry: One half doesn’t match the other.
- B order: Edges are irregular, ragged, or notched.
- C olor: Multiple colors (brown, black, red, white, or blue) or uneven shades.
- D iameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser), though smaller spots can also be melanoma.
- E volving: Any change in size, shape, or color over time.
We encourage everyone to do a monthly self-exam—grab a mirror or ask your family member or friend and check hard-to-see spots like your back or scalp. But here’s the thing: not every melanoma follows these rules. Some look like a harmless freckle or a new bump. That’s where Drs. Berti come in, with Mayo Clinic, University of Wisconsin training, board-certification and decades of experience, we know how to spot the subtle signs that might escape the untrained eye. If you notice anything unusual, don’t wait—schedule a visit at our Brentwood office, Nashville Dermatology Physicians.
How to Potentially Avoid Melanoma
Living in Tennessee, we all love our sunny days, but too much sun exposure is a major risk factor for melanoma. Here are some practical ways to protect your skin:
- Time it right. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon when possible.
- Cover up. Wear long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Sun-protective clothing is a game-changer.
- Skip the tanning beds. They’re like a direct hit of UV radiation, which can damage your skin and increase your melanoma risk.
- Sunscreen. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) even on cloudy days if you will be outdoors for extended periods of time. Reapply every two hours if you’re outside. However, we all need to realize that sunscreen alone is not enough, in fact, some are hypothesizing, too much sunscreen may not be a good idea either. More research is needed, hence the reason to follow good old fashioned common sense and avoid too much sun exposure as pointed out above.
-Regular skin checks are also a must. If you spend a lot of time outdoors—whether you’re hiking in Green Hills, fishing in Clarksville, or cheering at a game in Murfreesboro—make an annual visit to a dermatologist part of your routine. At Nashville Dermatology Physicians, we make it easy with comprehensive screenings tailored to your needs. Your moles are examined closely and some may be biopsied to find out if dysplasia (atypical mole) is present, providing great information for both patient and physician, indicating a slightly increase risk for melanoma for this particular person.
-Healthy lifestyle including balanced diet, including vitamin D: We know the importance of eating healthy, minimally processed foods. Although this is difficult, it is very important to know all the food we eat may play a role in our overall health and also may play a role either promoting or inhibiting cancer, not just skin cancer. It is all about the inflammation. Inflammatory foods propagate cancer. The medical community is now waking up to the fact that many 'blue zones' and holistic therapists have hypothesized to be true for years....good sensible diet, exercise, sleep and believe it, spending healthy amounts of time outside living in harmony with the sun! All of those activities lead to healthier lives with less cancers.
The Role of Family History
Did you know your family history can play a big role in your melanoma risk? If a close relative, like a parent or sibling, has had melanoma or other skin cancers, your chances of developing it are higher. This is often due to inherited gene mutations or shared lifestyle habits, like spending lots of time in the sun. I’ve had patients in Franklin and Nolensville share stories of a parent’s melanoma diagnosis, and it’s a wake-up call for them to get screened. If you have a family history, let us know during your visit. Dr. Jeffrey and I will create a personalized screening plan to catch any issues early. For high-risk folks, early detection isn’t just important—it’s lifesaving.
Why Choose Dr. Jeffrey and Dr. Toula Berti?
When it comes to your skin, you deserve care you can trust. Dr. Jeffrey Berti and Dr. Toula Berti founded Nashville Dermatology Physicians to bring a personal, compassionate, individualized approach to dermatology. After running successful practices in the Midwest for 20 years, they now are located in Brentwood to serve the Greater Nashville area.
What sets us apart? Our Mayo Clinic training and years of experience coupled with a concept to be a locally owned and operated practice has led to a personalized exceptional experience...When you call our office, you’ll talk to our team member, not a call center. We take the time to listen, explain your options, and make sure you feel confident in your care. Whether you’re dealing with a suspicious mole or want advice on sun protection, we’re here to help.
Serving the Greater Nashville Area
Located at 1001 Health Park Drive, Suite 470, Brentwood, TN 37027, the office s conveniently located for patients across the Greater Nashville area.
No matter where you are, we’re just a short drive away and we’ll work with you to find a convenient appointment time. Your skin health is worth it.
Take Action This May
Melanoma Awareness Month is the perfect time to prioritize your skin. A quick skin check could make all the difference. Early detection saves lives. Here’s to a sun-safe, healthy life!
Contact our office at 615.212.2517 or request an appointment on our website, www.NashvilleDermatologyPhysicians.com.
Nashville Dermatology Physicians
1001 Health Park Drive Suite 470,
Brentwood, TN 37027
Monday
7:00 am - 4:00 pm
Tuesday
7:00 am - 4:00 pm
Wednesday
7:00 am - 4:00 pm
Thursday
11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Friday
Closed
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed