Stay Nifty, Wear SPF 50: The Importance of Early Melanoma Protection
It’s nearly summer, which means more time can be spent outside soaking up the sun and enjoying the warm weather. While it may feel nice to finally defrost after freezing in Los Angeles’ version of the Arctic tundra this winter, it is also important to remember the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays and the necessary precautions to prevent skin cancer.
Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, develops in cells that produce melanin, the biological pigment that gives skin its color. Recent research gathered from the SPOTme skin cancer screening program, which was presented at the American Academy of Dermatology’s 2017 annual meeting, highlighted the dramatic impact that early detection can have in melanoma prevention. During 2009 and 2010, the SPOTme program conducted free skin cancer screenings on 118,085 individuals and gathered data from these screenings. The results showed that nearly a third of the screened individuals had noticed a change in the size, shape, or color of a mole. Recognizing such changes is important as they are some of the major indicators of skin cancer. This finding indicates that people were aware of the warning signs of melanoma and were conscious of the importance of making an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist when these warning signs are present.
Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, develops in cells that produce melanin, the biological pigment that gives skin its color. Recent research gathered from the SPOTme skin cancer screening program, which was presented at the American Academy of Dermatology’s 2017 annual meeting, highlighted the dramatic impact that early detection can have in melanoma prevention. During 2009 and 2010, the SPOTme program conducted free skin cancer screenings on 118,085 individuals and gathered data from these screenings. The results showed that nearly a third of the screened individuals had noticed a change in the size, shape, or color of a mole. Recognizing such changes is important as they are some of the major indicators of skin cancer. This finding indicates that people were aware of the warning signs of melanoma and were conscious of the importance of making an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist when these warning signs are present.
Image Source: kali9
Melanoma is most treatable when caught and brought to a doctor’s attention in its early stages. Therefore, it is extremely important to monitor the skin for irregular, changing, itching, or bleeding moles and to see a professional dermatologist immediately if any are noticed. While many people do know the significance of applying sunscreen daily and wearing protective clothing, sometimes everyday laziness can cause people to brush these precautions aside. However, it is important to remember that early prevention and detection can have a dramatic impact on someone’s life. The most effective way of avoiding skin cancer is to be proactive. It can usually be prevented in the first place by avoiding indoor tanning beds, applying water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, avoiding long exposure to the sun, and wearing protective clothing.
While melanoma can strike anybody, there are certain demographics that are more susceptible to developing skin cancer. These include Caucasians, men over the age of 50, people with a family history of skin cancer, and those with many large, irregular shaped moles. Regardless of these factors, everyone should be conscious of the reality of skin cancer and the simple but extremely effective ways of preventing it.
During upcoming summer days laying out on the beach, going on hikes, or walking around running errands, be sure to think twice before leaving the house without proper sun protection and weigh that perfect tan with the potential future costs of skin cancer.
While melanoma can strike anybody, there are certain demographics that are more susceptible to developing skin cancer. These include Caucasians, men over the age of 50, people with a family history of skin cancer, and those with many large, irregular shaped moles. Regardless of these factors, everyone should be conscious of the reality of skin cancer and the simple but extremely effective ways of preventing it.
During upcoming summer days laying out on the beach, going on hikes, or walking around running errands, be sure to think twice before leaving the house without proper sun protection and weigh that perfect tan with the potential future costs of skin cancer.
Featured Image Source: chezbeate
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