The month of May is considered as the National Melanoma Skin Cancer Prevention Month. The main objective of this is to raise awareness about skin cancer, and increasing the probabilities of early detection so treatments can be given early. The month-long awareness program commences on a Melanoma Monday, an annual awareness day, which is the first Monday in the month of May every year. The Melanocytes (cells that produce the pigment- melanin) is generally where the Melanoma begins. It is one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer. But if detected early, it is highly treatable.
Preventive Measures of Melanoma
It is mostly caused by exposure to the sun’s UV light. Although nowadays man-made tanning beds and sun lamps have also been the major cause of melanoma. There are a number of things one can do to prevent ourselves and our families from skin cancer.
Every time you step outside or use a tanning bed your skin is exposed to the harmful UV light. This can not only cause premature skin aging, but also increases the risk of getting skin cancer.
Wear sunscreen with a high SPF (15-50). Preferably use a sunscreen which has a broader spectrum (against UV-A rays and UV-B rays). Apply enough quantity (1 ounce), every 2 hours. Stay in shade during the afternoon (11 am – 4 pm), to avoid the high intensity of UV exposure.
Use clothing, broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses to cover up your skin. Do not use indoor tanning beds. They cause sixty-five percent of melanomas amongst the youth. Protect children especially from the sun; a small amount of sunburn in the childhood can cause melanoma in the future. Make children aware of sun safety.
Anomalous Moles
It is easy to detect. The ABCDE method suggested by the American Academy of Dermatology (ADA) can be used to pinpoint melanoma signs:
- A: Asymmetry (one half is not like the other)
- B: Border (rough and poorly defined boundaries)
- C: Color (different from one area to another; shades of tan, brown and black; sometimes red, white or blue)
- D: Diameter (usually about the diameter of a pencil (6mm), or smaller)
- E: Evolving (a mole or skin gash that is changing in size, shape, and color)
Strengthen the Immune System
The risk of getting skin cancer increases a lot by having a weakened immune system. Uses of Intravenous drugs, HIV-AIDS are some factors that weaken the immune system.
The above precautions and safety measure can reduce the risk of Melanoma to a great extent. Since early detection of Melanoma is very beneficial and curable, it is important to be on the lookout for any suspicious mole. Increasing awareness is the only way this can be done.
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