Is a Deadly Terrorist Lurking On Your Skin?

Melanoma is a common, serious skin cancer that can affect anyone starting at about age 12. The U.S. incidence of new cases is more than double that of new HIV/AIDS cases. Among 25 to 29 year olds it is the most prevalent cancer and the leading cancer killer of women from 30 to 35. The good news is that melanoma is easy to find early while it is thin and curable by simple, painless removal in a doctor’s office. Waiting is often fatal.

Melanomas may develop from pre-existing moles or start in clear areas of the skin, including areas not exposed to sunlight. The first step in checking your skin is to learn about moles, which are pigmented spots that may be flat or raised. There are two types: normal and atypical. Normal moles have round or oval shapes, are less than 1/4 inch wide, have uniform color and shade, and have sharp, even borders. Atypical moles, present in 15% of the white population, usually have one or more of these properties:

Width: 1/4 inch or more. Irregular shape. Two or more shades or colors.
Fuzzy or notched borders. Raised “fried egg” center. Pebbled surface.

The average lifetime risk of melanoma in the white population is about 1 in 50 but may be much higher if you have any of these risk factors (the risk is lower among Asians, Black Americans, and Hispanics):

Any atypical moles, even one. More than 50 normal moles. Freckles, blonde or red
hair, light eyes, light complexion. History of any blistering sunburns under the age of 20. Personal or family history of any type of skin cancer. Sudden exposure of normally covered skin to strong sunlight. Regular use of tanning beds (10 times or more in a year).

Check your skin using a wall mirror in a well-lighted room, a hand mirror with long handle, flashlight, hair brush or dryer for parting hair, and two small chairs or stools.

Using the wall mirror, hand mirror, and flashlight check all areas of hands, arms, face, ears, neck,
underarms, and chest. Women should also check under breasts. Use a brush or dryer to check scalp and behind ears (or have a family member help). Check upper and lower back thoroughly, then buttocks and genitals including hidden areas. The back is the most common site of melanoma in males. While sitting on a chair or stool, check all sides of legs and feet including ankles, between toes, and under toenails. Legs are the most common sites of melanoma in females.

See a dermatologist or other health care provider immediately if you find:

1. a new mole or a suspicious pigmented spot or growth you hadn’t noticed before.
2. a change in color, size, shape, border, or surface of a mole, freckle, birthmark or other mark.
3. a mole or other growth that looks different from others on your skin.

If everything is OK mark the calendar to check again next month. If you have any atypical moles, examine them visually and by touch so you will recognize any future changes.

Decreasing the risk of melanoma: minimize exposure to sunlight from 10 am to 4 pm, avoid tanning beds, wear protective clothing including a wide-brim hat. Use sunblock with an SPF rating of 30 or more and protection for both UVA and UVB. Apply it liberally and reapply every 2 hours. Consider having atypical moles removed if they are in areas which you (or your children) are not likely to notice every day.

This information is provided by the Amanda Faye Brown Chapter of the Melanoma Education Foundation of Nevada. Amanda was 31 years old when she took her place in Heaven. April 15th,2006. Visit saxtown.com for more information about Amanda and her journey. Also visit skincheck.org for more information about self-detection and prevention of melanoma.

Disclaimer: Information provided by the Melanoma Education Foundation is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosing skin problems. If you suspect you have a skin problem consult a dermatologist or other professional health care provider.