According to a report published today by Yahoo Health, people have developed a more serious awareness of sun protection over the past decade, and one of the reasons for this is melanoma.
From 1982 to 2011, the incidence of melanoma in the United States doubled, and the American Cancer Society estimates that there will be more than 90,000 new cases in 2018.
So, what is melanoma? Although it is not the most common type of skin cancer, it is the most serious. Melanoma develops from melanocytes, which are cells that can color the skin and can also form moles, which are non-cancerous growths on the skin.
When exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, melanocytes can be damaged, triggering mutations that cause the cells to become abnormal and multiply rapidly, forming cancerous tumors. UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds accounts for approximately 95% of melanoma cases.
In addition to sun damage, there are other factors that may increase your chances of developing melanoma. Having many moles can put you at higher risk, and a family history is also a contributing factor, accounting for approximately 10% of all melanoma patients.
Age is also a contributing factor. The average age of a melanoma diagnosis is 63. Before the age of 50, women are at a higher risk of developing melanoma, while after the age of 50, men face a greater risk.
A common misconception is that melanoma and other skin cancers can only occur in people with fair skin.
Research shows that over a lifetime, Caucasians have a 2.63% probability of developing melanoma. The probabilities for Hispanic Americans and African Americans are 0.58% and 0.1%, respectively. In other words, anyone can be affected, and everyone needs to be concerned about moles that look abnormal.
Dermatologist Samer Jaber says: "If you notice a new or changing mole, pay attention to it." Another thing to look for is if a mole looks different from other moles on the body; this is known as the "ugly duckling" sign.
In addition to checking for these signs, Jaber also recommends that his patients remember the ABCDE guide to evaluate their moles:
A is for Asymmetry. If you cut a mole in half, it should be symmetrical.
B is for Border. Moles with jagged edges are not normal.
C is for Color. Beware of moles that are black, white, blue, or pink.
D is for Diameter. Moles smaller than a pencil eraser are generally normal.
E is for Evolving. If your mole changes, itches, burns, or bleeds, you should have it evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist.
Jaber says: "If detected early, it can be treated with a simple surgical procedure. If detected later, you may need additional surgery, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy."
The key to prevention is to check your moles early and often. Melanoma is often found on the chest, back, legs, neck, and face, so moles in these areas should receive extra attention.
It is also important to try to avoid sun exposure. If you go outdoors, try to find a spot in the shade, wear a hat, wear sunglasses, and be sure to use sunscreen with SPF 30+ or higher. If you want to tan, consider using spray-on products.
