Melanoma and How to Avoid It Melanoma is a type of skin cancer which has been diagnosed in all age groups, but risk does increase with age. Melanomas treated in the early stages of development are curable. The rate of melanoma is increasing faster than any other type of cancer. Late treatment or lack of treatment, is usually fatal. While detection is important, avoiding behaviors that put you at greater risk is best. There are many myths and misconceptions about melanoma; here is the current understanding of the disease and how you can help avoid it: It is sun exposure, not the tan, that increases the risk of melanoma. People with darker skin tone and those who tan quickly are at lower risk. It is not the tan that gets people in trouble; it is the amount of sun exposure. The sun exposure during childhood and adolescence appears to be a more important predictor than current exposure. Consistent, small amounts of sun exposure are better than intermittent, intense blasts. The stockbroker who is indoors all week and then gets fried over the weekend is at greater risk. Sunscreens with a minimum of sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 are helpful. However, if you are using SPF 15, it needs to be applied liberally or you are not getting the minimum recommended sun protection. Although sunscreens are helpful, they do not guarantee that you won't get melanoma. You must also practice sun avoidance to some degree. This means using protective clothing and hats, and avoiding the sun between 10am and 4pm most of the time. High-risk individuals with family or personal history of skin cancer should use higher SPF sunscreens (25-50). Sunscreens with an SPF of 15 screens out 93 percent of the burning rays and an SPF of 30 screens out 97 percent. There are some studies linking melanoma to tanning bed use. While it may be premature to tell if these early studies will be conclusive, most experts recommend avoidance. If nothing else, use of tanning beds adds to the sun exposure you already get. Dermatologists do not recommend having an indoor sedentary life, which can increase you risk of diabetes, heart disease and lung disease. However, we recommend "slip, slop and slap!" Slip on a shirt, slop on the sunscreen and slap on a hat! And we would also add "wrap", for wraparound sunglasses. Sunscreen should be applied a half-hour before sun exposure. It needs to be applied liberally! A little dab WON'T do it! Remember, winter sports require sunscreen When you snow ski, snowboard or sled, you will need sunscreen. Reapply sunscreen every two hours if you're in the sun continuously or sweat a lot. Perform a self-exam using the ABCs of melanoma detection. These protective measures mentioned above would also help in the prevention of most other skin cancers.

Protective measures help in the prevention of most skin cancers.

Patricia A. Dickerson, MD
1299 E. Alex-Bell Rd.
Centerville, Ohio 45458
937-436-1117
www.patriciadickersonmd.com

retin-a  rosacea  melanoma  sun protection 
poison ivy/oak  acne  abcs  tips to health  nutrition  home