Protect Your Skin: Understanding the Dangers of Melanoma

What is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that begins in the melanocytes, the cells that make pigment (colour). Melanoma can appear anywhere on the body, but it most often starts in areas exposed to UV radiation, like the face, neck and arms.

Melanoma can be either benign or malignant:

• Benign melanomas are not life-threatening and do not spread to other parts of your body. If they're large enough, they can be removed with surgery or treated with radiation therapy.

• Malignant melanomas are more likely to spread than benign ones and may cause death if left untreated for a long time.

Leading Causes of Melanoma

While melanoma can occur anywhere on the body, it's most commonly found on the back and chest. The most common types of melanoma are superficial spreading (the most common) and nodular (the least common).

In addition to UV radiation from the sun, other risk factors include:

• Genetic factors that make you more likely to develop melanoma; these include having fair skin or a family history of melanoma;

• Immune system suppression is caused by certain medications, such as anti-rejection drugs given after organ transplantation, and chemical exposure through work in industries such as tanning beds.

Risk Factors for Melanoma

• Age: The risk of melanoma increases with age, especially after age 50.

• Gender: Men are at a greater risk than women for developing melanoma, mainly due to their higher rate of sun exposure and use of tanning beds.

• Skin Type: People with fair skin that freckles easily are more likely than those with darker complexions to develop the disease.

• Sun Exposure History: People with intense or prolonged sun exposure over many years may have an increased risk of developing melanoma even if they don't burn quickly or tan well (phototypes I-III). The risk is greater if you have had many moles removed from your body because these moles tend to be more numerous and more prominent than average. This makes them easier targets for damage by ultraviolet radiation from sunlight or artificial sources such as tanning beds.

• Family History: If someone in your family has had melanoma, you may be at higher risk, too, especially if it was diagnosed at an early age (less than 50 years old) and/or was aggressive (spread quickly).

Diagnosis of Melanoma

A doctor diagnoses melanoma after a physical examination and skin biopsy. Imaging tests, such as ultrasound or CT scans, may also be used to look for signs of cancerous cells in the lymph nodes under your arms and in other areas where it could spread.

Prevention of Melanoma:

• Avoiding the sun. The best way to prevent melanoma is by avoiding exposure to UV rays. When you're out in the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.

• Wearing protective clothing. Cover up when you're outside, even on cloudy days: hats that shade your face, sunglasses (even if they don't have UV protection), long-sleeved shirts and pants or skirts that cover most of your skin are all good options for protecting yourself from harmful rays while still looking stylish!

• Using sunscreen correctly. Apply at least one ounce (about a shot glass worth) of broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen every two hours outdoors- even if it's cloudy! If possible, opt for water-resistant formulas instead of those labelled "sweatproof" since those tend not last as long before needing reapplication; however, any type should suffice so long as it has a minimum SPF 30+ rating.

Early Detection of Melanoma:

To help you spot melanoma, knowing what it looks like is essential. Melanomas can be:

• Flat or raised

• Smooth or irregular in texture

• Black, brown or blue in colour (although they may appear red)

• If you notice any changes in your skin that concern you, make an appointment with a dermatologist immediately.

Melanoma is a severe disease. It can be treated if caught early, but if it's not, the prognosis is poor. That's why it's important to know what you're looking for and your options when you see something suspicious on your skin.

If you have any questions about melanoma or the symptoms of this disease, talk to your doctor or dermatologist and don't wait until Melanoma Awareness Month is over!