The key to early detection of melanoma is knowing your risk factors.
Having one or more risk factors means you have a higher risk of developing
melanoma and should be extra vigilant with screening and taking preventive
measures.
If melanoma is detected early, it is almost 100 percent curable. Once
melanoma spreads to other parts of the body it is very difficult to treat
and can be fatal, making it the most deadly form of skin cancer. Several
factors can increase your risk of developing melanoma.
Exposure to sunlight UV rays – The most striking
individual risk is associated with the intensity of sunlight a person
receives over a lifetime. Both UVA and UVB rays are damaging to the
skin, so the cumulative amount of exposure to these rays increases your
risk. Severe childhood sunburns also elevate your risk.
Moles – The number of moles a person has increases
the risk for melanoma. Those with a specific type of mole called
dysplastic nevi, a benign atypical mole, are at a greater risk for
melanoma. Having ten more of these types of moles means your risk is
twelve times greater than other individuals. If you have many moles,
whether atypical or normal moles called “beauty marks,” you have an
increased risk for melanoma.
Skin type – In general, the fairer the skin type,
the greater the risk for melanoma. That is because pigmentation in the
skin provides natural protection from the sun. This does not mean
dark-skinned people cannot get skin cancer, however they do have a
decreased risk.
Two types of skin, hair and eye color increase
your risk for melanoma:
Skin is very fair, burns easily and severely and does not tan. Eyes
are blue or green and hair is blond or red.
Skin is also fair and burns easily, but does get a minimal tan. Eyes
are blue, hazel or brown, and hair is blond, red or brown.
Family history – Heredity is a significant risk
factor for melanoma. Each person with a first-degree relative (mother,
father, brother or sister) diagnosed with melanoma has a 50 percent
greater chance of developing the disease than people who do not have a
family history. About one in every ten patients diagnosed with the
disease has a family member with a history of melanoma. If you have a
family history of melanoma it is important that you have regular full
skin examinations by your physician.
Gender – There is a greater risk for melanoma in
men versus women. Of the estimated 60,000 new cases, about 34,000 will
be in men compared to about 26,000 in women. However, men are nearly two
times more likely to die from melanoma.
Prevention
Some measures can be taken to reduce the likelihood of developing
melanoma:
Limit UV exposure – Reduce your exposure to UV
light. This does not mean you cannot go outdoors. Be smart about
applying sunscreen whenever you are outdoors, regardless of the time of
year. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that provides protection against
both UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or greater protect
against UVB but not against UVA rays, which are very damaging. UVA rays
penetrate deeper into the skin and are the cause of wrinkling and
leathery skin.
Make sure you apply enough sunscreen. You should use one ounce (the size
of a shot glass) of sunscreen for each application. It is best to apply
sunscreen 30 minutes before going into the sun to allow the ingredients
to penetrate the skin. Sunscreen should be re-applied every two hours.
Wear protective clothing – Clothing can also
provide protection from UV rays, but not all clothing works equally
well. Generally, lighter-color, loose weave clothing is not effective at
blocking the rays. If you hold the clothing up to the light and can see
through then the UV rays are getting through too.
You can now purchase clothing designed to block UV rays. Some clothing
will be marked with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) similar to
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) labeled on sunscreens. The higher the UPF
rating, the better the protection. Clothing with a rating of 50 or
higher provides very good protection.
Identify and remove abnormal moles early – Be
vigilant about conducting mole checks regularly. It is recommended to
conduct self-exams at least once a month, especially if you have a
family history of atypical moles or melanoma. See
how to conduct a self-exam.
If you detect a suspicious mole, see your dermatologist right away to
have it examined and removed. Even moles that are not cancerous but are
abnormal should be removed to reduce your risk of melanoma.
Signs and symptoms
There are several signs and symptoms of melanoma that require immediate
attention if they appear. They include:
Early detection of melanoma is critical to your chances of surviving. If
caught early, before it thickens, melanoma is almost 100 percent curable. If
not, it can spread quickly through the body and can be fatal. If you have
any risk factors for melanoma, regular self exams and exams by a health care
professional should be part of your health care regimen. Everyone,
regardless of whether or not you have any risk factors, should be diligent
about examining their bodies for any changes to moles or their skin.
It is best to conduct a self-exam monthly. This includes checking your
entire body. Even if areas of your body are usually not in sunlight it does
not mean they are free from moles or other skin changes. Here are guidelines
for how to check you body from top to bottom. Use a mirror.
Check your head and face. Use a blow dryer to check your scalp.
Check hands, arms, elbows and underarms.
Check your neck, chest and torso. Women should lift and check under
their breasts.
In addition to monthly self-exams, it is best to get regular exams by a
dermatologist or other health care professional.
Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center offers several free skin screenings
every year. To schedule an appointment at one of these screening call the
Vince Lombardi Cancer Center hotline at 800-252-2990.
Melanoma: Prevention & early detection 