Melanoma Screening And Prevention

All types of skin cancers are most treatable when they are caught in the earliest stages. For this reason, it’s a good idea to be familiar with the “map” of your skin. It’s also important to be aware of the risk factors for melanoma to reduce your chances of developing the disease.

Screening and Early Detection of Melanoma

Progress in cancer screening and treatment offers promise of earlier detection and higher cure rates. “Screening” refers to the regular use of certain examinations or tests in people who are free of symptoms of cancer, but are at high risk for that cancer.

When detected early, most melanomas can be cured with surgery alone. All people, with and without risk factors, should examine their own skin for changes to detect melanoma early, when it is most treatable.

Self-examination - It is recommended that you examine your own skin for the ABCD signs or any other changes and/or abnormalities about once a month (see box). This is especially important if you have any of the risk factors for melanoma. During a self-examination, a full-length mirror will help you to notice the pattern of moles and other blemishes on your skin. It is important to be aware of any new moles or changes in the size, shape, or color of existing moles. If you perform a self-examination routinely, you will notice any changes that occur on your skin. If there are any, make an appointment to see your physician immediately.

Examine Your Skin

Make a note of where you have moles and discolorations, and check these areas on a regular basis to see whether they have changed in color, size, or texture. You should also look for the appearance of new moles or other marks anywhere on your skin.

ABCD is a useful way to remember what to look for when examining a mole, spot, or patch of skin:

• Asymmetry - Is it unmatched from one side to another? Asymmetrical growths may be a cause for concern, especially if they change in shape or grow larger.
• Border irregularity - Does it have uneven or indistinct edges? Normal-appearing moles are sharply defined, round, and smooth. Those with ragged edges or a lopsided shape may be suspect.
• Color - Does it have shades of color, or a mottled appearance? Normal moles are even in color; abnormal ones may have more than one color or may have varying shades of color.
• Diameter - Is it larger than 6 millimeters (about one-quarter of an inch) in diameter?
  

Any unusual mole, spot, or patch of skin, as well as any that change in shape, size, color, or texture, should be seen by your doctor. He or she may recommend a biopsy or may advise you to watch a suspicious area over time to see whether any change occurs.

Routine checkup - People between the ages of 20 and 40 should have a cancer-related checkup every 3 years. People over 40 should have a checkup every year. This routine checkup should include a skin examination. During this checkup, a physician should ask you about family history, sun exposure, and other risk factors for melanoma and skin cancer, and examine the skin for any abnormalities. The physician may also examine lymph nodes because enlarged nodes can indicate the presence of melanoma that has spread.

Prevention Of Melanoma

The best way to reduce the risk of melanoma is to avoid known risk factors. Sun exposure is the major cause of cutaneous melanoma. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends the following precautions:

• The UV rays of the sun are strongest between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. One way to reduce exposure to UV radiation is to remain indoors or seek shade during this part of the day. In addition, people can protect their skin by covering up with long-sleeved clothing, hats, and sunglasses, and sit in the shade whenever possible. Plan outdoor activities early or late in the day to avoid peak sunlight hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15 on all exposed skin, including the lips, even on cloudy days. If you are exposed to water, either through swimming or sweating, a water-resistant sunscreen should be used. Reapply sunscreen frequently.
  

Sunscreens with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 are enough for normal people under most conditions. However, some experts recommend sunscreen with a higher SPF, (20 or higher). This is to compensate for uneven application by the typical users. It is important to be aware that sunscreen reduces the amount of UV exposure, but does not prevent melanoma altogether.

Sunscreen should not be used as an excuse to prolong sun exposure. People who use sunscreen to stay out in the sun longer are getting the same amount of UV radiation as if they had remained outside for a shorter period of time without sunscreen.

• Avoid artificial tanning devices. There is more and more evidence that they are a source of exposure to UV radiation that can damage the skin and increase the risk of developing melanoma.