 Over the past few decades, the incidence of melanoma, one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer, has been steadily increased. The fact is, melanoma has become the most common cancer in women between the ages of 25 and 29. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in both men and women within the United States.
This increase is alarming to both dermatologists and family practitioners. Melanoma is reaching epidemic proportions, it requires increase getting the message out as to the awareness of the dangers of prolonged and daily sun exposure over many years.
It is clear that not everyone suffers from melanoma, In fact certain people may be at higher risk for developing of skin cancer. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Ga., the risk factors include having:
- A family history of skin cancer
- A personal history of skin cancer
- A lighter natural skin color
- Certain physical characteristics, such as light colored eyes and hair color
- A history of sunburns early in life
- Consistent sun exposure through work and play
- Many pre-existing moles
One of the biggest more recent problems is caused by the hidden dangers of using tanning salons, which are frequented more often by women than men. Several studies not demonstrate that there is a significant in creased risk for women who use tanning beds frequently, they have a higher risk of melanoma and other sun related cancers.
The sun gives off radiation in the form of UV light. Tanning salons use lights that give off rays that mimic natural sunlight, because of this their skin is damaged much in the same way as if they had prolonged exposure out in the sun.
The best way to guard against skin cancer is to limit your exposure to the sun. It is important to avoid sun exposure during the sun's peak hours, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Even on cloudy or rainy days, it is quite possible to receive excessive UV ray exposure.
In order to help your self and prevent skin damage from the sun, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends the following:
- Generously apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 that provides broad-spectrum protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.
- Re-apply sunscreen every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
- Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, where possible.
- Use extra caution near water, snow and sand, which reflect damaging sun rays and can increase your chance of sunburn.
- Get your vitamin D more safely through eating a healthy diet or taking vitamin supplements, do not try to raise your vitamin D level by being out in the sun.
Don't forget to protect your lips, the tops of your ears, receding hairlines. These are all common spots for precancerous growths. Apply lip balms or lipsticks with SPF protection whenever you go out into the sun.
Early detection is extremely important when it comes to treating melanoma. You should have an annual total body skin exam. It's a must. Don’t take chances for vanity.
Since women do tend to get screened more often than men. We tend to catch melanoma in women earlier. Men tend to let things grow and avoid doctors visits and check ups. The most common area for melanoma in men is on the back while the most common area for women is on one or the other, or both calf’s.
While melanoma are very treatable, they are most curable only if they are caught early. If you wait until they have grown large or spread your chances of cure decrease and your risk of ugly scars and disability, even death increase. This is why it is so very important to be aware of the signs and to visit a doctor or dermatologist regularly.
Women it is also very valuable to make sure that when you have a gynecologic exam, breast exam and pap smear that you instruct your gynecologist to check you front and back, top and bottom for any abnormal skin growths. This way you get checked twice a year once by your gyn and once by your family practitioner or dermatologist. This way you have a much better chance of catching melanoma or other skin cancers early before they can do permanent harm to you.
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