Melanoma: Getting the Facts about this Increasingly Common Cancer

Melanoma is an ugly word, but even uglier are its effects on your body. The most serious cancer of the skin, melanoma begins in the melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) and shows up in the skin because that is where these cells are mostly found. While one in 50 Americans is at risk for developing melanoma at some point in his or her lifetime, you might be surprised to hear that the demographic being most affected by this type of cancer is actually younger adults and teens.

In fact, melanoma is the number one cancer in young adults ages 25 to 29 years old and the second most common cancer in adolescents and young adults ages 15 to 29. About 65% of melanoma cases can be traced to overexposure to ultraviolet or UV rays from natural or artificial sources. This means sunlight and indoor tanning beds are partly to blame. Other factors that can play a part are family history, genetics and environment. Even if you don’t actively tan, it’s still important to realize that melanoma can pop up in melanocytes all throughout the body, even ones which have never been exposed to the sun.

So what does all of this mean for you, especially if you or someone you love is a young adult/teen with a greater risk? It is first important to learn preventative measures and then adhere to them as much as you can.

Practice Safe Sun
• Apply sunscreen generously to all skin that is exposed.
You might think this is only something you do while on vacation or lounging at the pool during summer months, but actually, this should be a daily ritual year-round, even on cloudy or overcast days. Make sure the sunscreen you use offers broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Also, choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Read ingredients and select products which contain titanium dioxide and mexoryl. These block UVA rays better.

When we say apply generously, it means generously! In order to protect your entire body, use about an ounce of sunscreen (picture a full shot glass) and make sure to apply it at least 20 minutes before exposing your skin to the sun. When swimming or sweating under the sun’s rays, reapply sunscreen every couple of hours. Even if your bottle says waterproof, it will need to be reapplied throughout the day.

• Wear clothing that protects your skin
This could be a long-sleeved shirt, pants and a wide-brimmed hat if possible. Lighter colors will help you keep cooler even on the hottest days.

• Be aware of the sun’s intensity
The sun’s rays are most intense during the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. so try to be most careful during these times.

• Pay special attention when near water, snow and sand
These elements can reflect the sun’s damaging rays and this has the potential to increase your chances of a sunburn.

• Speaking of sunburns…
Avoid them at all cost! Severe sunburns, especially the ones you might have gotten as a child, can increase your risk of developing melanoma and other types of skin cancer. Even one sunburn which included blisters can double your chances of melanoma later in life.

• Don’t be fooled into thinking tanning is better than burning
We understand that everyone would like to be a bronzed goddess, but there are just too many other ways to achieve this look besides tanning. Current research shows that there is no way to get a tan through UV exposure without increasing the risk for skin cancer. Spray tans, self-tanning creams and bronzers can help you achieve the same results without the risk factors.

• Vitamin D comes in supplement form
We’ve heard so many people say they need to be in the sun to get that necessary vitamin D, but in reality, you can get a daily dose of this important vitamin in the form of supplements, all the while sparing your skin.

• Don’t let your medicine chest put you at greater risk
Some prescription and over-the-counter drugs have the potential to increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Be aware of what medicines you are taking and their side-effects. Watch your time in the sun depending on when you are taking them.
Early Detection

In addition to these preventative measures, it is also important to check your skin for anything that doesn’t seem right. Research has shown that patients are more likely to spot a melanoma on their own bodies. Skin cancer is one of the easiest cancers to detect in its early stages because the signs are visible on the skin.

Monthly self-exams should consist of looking over the entire body, including the back, scalp, soles of feet and palms of hands. Any changes in size, color, shape or texture of moles should always be noted and shared with a dermatologist. Annual check-ups with a dermatologist are also necessary to keep track of everything going on with your skin.

While the statistics might sound scary, there’s no need to live in fear about melanoma. Through education, awareness, prevention and early-detection, it is possible to have healthy glowing skin and the team here at Knoxville Dermatology Group is here answer your questions and give you peace of mind.

Schedule an appointment today with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin on the road to better health!

Contact Knoxville Dermatology Group at 865.690.9467.