As summer approaches, here are some critical steps you can take to reduce your and your loved one’s risk of developing melanoma and other skin cancers.
Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, and while it is the least common, it is estimated that melanoma will affect 1 in 27 men and 1 in 40 women in their lifetime. With over five million cases diagnosed in the United States each year, skin cancer is America’s most common cancer.
Fortunately, skin cancer is also one of the most preventable cancers. By sharing facts about the dangers of unprotected sun exposure and encouraging people to check their skin for warning signs, I and other cancer experts from Intermountain Health are working to raise awareness in the community in hopes that we can save lives.
There are many factors contributing to melanoma, including high altitude, fair skin, significant sun exposure, tanning beds, and genetics.
The best way to prevent skin cancer is to protect your skin from sun damage. With summer upon us, it’s especially important to be vigilant about sun protection.
Here are additional facts about melanoma:
• Melanoma is one of the most aggressive kinds of cancer. One person dies of Melanoma every hour.
• Melanoma can be hidden in plain sight. Melanoma screenings can help detect cancer at an early stage.
You are at risk for having melanoma if you have any of the following risk factors:
• Living at a high elevation
• Both men and women over 50 years old
• Spending time outside in the sun
• A family history of skin cancer
• Frequent use of tanning beds
• Having lighter skin
You can still get melanoma with no known risk factors
A way to distinguish if a mole is more likely to be melanoma is to remember the ABCDE’s of skin cancer
A=Asymmetry: Melanomas are frequently asymmetrical, where the shape of one half does not match the other
B=Borders: Melanomas will often have irregular or uneven borders
C=Color: Melanomas will often have multiple shades or colors
D=Diameter: Melanomas will often be larger than a pencil eraser (6mm)
E=Evolve: Melanomas will change over time.
If you notice a mole with any of the ABCDE’s, we recommend that you see a medical professional.
Skin cancer includes melanoma, basal cell skin cancer, and squamous cell skin cancer. Skin cancer other than melanoma is a very common cancer in the United States. More than five million people receive such a diagnosis each year. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, which are nonmelanoma skin cancers, are the most common types of skin cancer. Nonmelanoma skin cancers rarely spread to other parts of the body.
Melanoma, however, is an aggressive form of skin cancer. It is more likely to invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body than the more common forms of skin cancer.
In addition to the skin, melanoma may also occur in mucous membranes – thin, moist layers of tissue that cover surfaces such as the lips – or in the eye, which is called ocular or uveal melanoma.
Prevention
You can take an active role in protecting your skin and preventing skin cancer. Try to stay in the shade during peak sun hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. When you are in the sun, reapply sunscreen regularly throughout the day, especially if you will be in water where it can wash off.
In many cases, you may want to wear clothing that covers your arms and legs, and protective accessories like hats and sunglasses to block UVA and UVB rays. Also, avoid indoor tanning as it can increase your risk of developing skin cancer.
Your Skin Tells Your Story
You should see your doctor if you notice an irritated or unnatural-looking skin growth. You should also make an appointment to show your doctor any skin growths that concern you so that they can be observed and treated.
If you have a family history of skin cancer, or any risk factors that are common to skin cancer, you should also think about having your doctor perform a yearly skin check as part of your routine physical. This is where your doctor will check your skin for new growths, and observe existing growths, such as moles or freckles, to make sure they are not changing.
Intermountain Health has a multidisciplinary team of surgical, medical, and radiation oncologists and we coordinate with dermatologists to provide specialized treatment for melanoma and other skin cancers including advanced basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, Merkel cell carcinoma, and other rare tumors of the skin, to help patients.
For more information about screenings with an expert, visit IntermountainHealth.org.
Karng Log, DO, is a medical who practices at Intermountain Health Cancer Centers of Colorado in Golden. He specializes in breast medical oncology, hematology, hematology oncology, and medical oncology as well as hospice and palliative medicine. Dr. Log is a Denver native and when he isn’t working, he enjoys spending time with his two sons, traveling, and watching sports – especially the Broncos and Avalanche.
