This past weekend, more than 1,000 St. Louisans attended the Miles Over Melanoma 5K Walk and Run event in Queeny Park, which raised funds to support melanoma research. Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, and now that the weather is warm and we’re spending more time outside, here’s some more information on this deadly disease and how it might be prevented, courtesy of the Skin Cancer Foundation:
1. There are two kinds of moles: normal moles — the small brown blemishes, growths, or “beauty marks” that appear in the first few decades of life in almost everyone — and atypical moles, also known as dysplastic nevi. Atypical moles can be precursors to melanoma, and having them puts you at increased risk of melanoma. But regardless of type, the more moles you have, the greater your risk for melanoma.
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2. Be aware of the ABCDE warning signs of melanoma.
- A: Asymmetry. If you draw a line through this mole, the two halves will not match.
- B: Border. The borders of an early melanoma tend to be uneven.
- C: Color. Having a variety of colors is another warning signal. A number of different shades of brown, tan or black could appear.
- D: Diameter. Melanomas usually are larger in diameter than the size of the eraser on your pencil (1/4 inch or 6 mm), but they may sometimes be smaller when first detected.
- E: Evolving: Any change — in size, shape, color, elevation, or another trait, or any new symptom such as bleeding, itching or crusting — points to danger.
3.Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
4. Everyone is at some risk for melanoma, but increased risk depends on several factors: sun exposure, number of moles on the skin, skin type and family history (genetics).
5. Heredity plays a major role in melanoma. About one in every 10 patients diagnosed with the disease has a family member with a history of melanoma.
6. Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.
7. Examine your skin head-to-toe every month, looking for any suspicious lesions. Take note of any new moles or growths, and any existing growths that begin to grow or change significantly in any other way. See your physician every year for a professional skin exam.
8. Seek the shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
9. Both UVA and UVB rays are dangerous to the skin, and can induce skin cancer, including melanoma. Blistering sunburns in early childhood increase risk, but cumulative exposure also may be a factor. People who live in locations that have more sunlight — like Florida, Hawaii, and Australia — develop more skin cancers. Avoid using a tanning booth or tanning bed, since it increases your exposure to UV rays, raising your risk of developing melanoma and other skin cancers.
10. Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months.
