Skin cancer affects one in five Americans, so we all stand a good chance of developing it in our lifetimes. Of the three forms of skin cancer—basal cell, squamous and melanoma—melanoma is by far the most deadly. Unfortunately, its rate of occurrence is increasing. The American Cancer Society has estimated there will be more than 62,000 new diagnoses of, and approximately 8,400 deaths from, melanoma in 2008 in the United States. Other estimates are higher.
Melanoma involves the cells that produce the skin pigment melanin, which is responsible for skin and hair color. The disease can also involve the colored part of the eye. Melanoma accounts for only about 5% of all skin cancer cases, but it causes the most skin cancer-related deaths. This is because, even though the disease is often curable, it’s also fast moving, so early detection is crucial.
This season, as you begin to see your skincare clients come into your spa wearing deeper tans and more pigmentation spots, make sure they know the risks and dangers of skin cancers, particularly melanoma, and what they should do to stay healthy. Here are some essential facts and, following these, precautions to share:
- In men, melanoma most often appears on the area between the shoulders and hips or on the head and neck. In women, it often develops on the lower legs.
- The chance of developing melanoma increases with age, yet it’s still one of the most common cancers in young adults. It’s the No. 1 cause of cancer death in women aged 25 - 30.
- Protecting skin during the first 18 years of life can reduce the risk of some types of skin cancer by up to 78%, while one severe sunburn during the first 15 years of life may double the risk.
- Studies have confirmed that sun exposure is responsible for the development of at least two-thirds of all melanomas.
- Studies have shown that sunburn is often the result of incorrect use of sunscreen. Since people frequently apply only 20% to 50% of the recommended amount of sunscreen, they only receive 20% to 50% of the SPF.
- Only the smallest and most shallow melanomas can be cured by surgery alone, so early diagnosis is very important.
- Once melanoma has spread beyond the skin and lymph nodes to other organs, treatment is more difficult and the cancer is usually not curable.
Risk factors include: family history of melanoma; red or blond hair and fair skin; presence of multiple birthmarks; development of precancerous lesions; obvious freckling on the upper back; three or more blistering sunburns before age 20; three or more years spent at an outdoor summer job as a teenager; high levels of exposure to strong sunlight.
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Precautions
Monitor sun exposure. Consider time of year, location and time of day before spending time in the sun. UV exposure is greatest in the summer, at higher altitudes, nearer to the equator and between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun is highest in the sky.
Pay attention to the elements. Up to 80% of the sun’s rays can penetrate clouds, mist and fog. Fresh snow reflects back about 85% of the sun’s rays, water reflects back about 5% and even concrete reflects back 10% to 12% of the rays.
Minimize risk during exposure. While outside, seek shade whenever possible, wear sun-protective clothing and accessories such as wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses, and wear a generous amount of broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Also, follow the “shadow rule”—if your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun’s rays are at their strongest and skin damage more likely.
Perform self-inspections. Conduct a monthly self skin exam to check for changes in moles, warts and other blemishes on the skin, especially parts that are exposed to the sun.
When in doubt, seek medical care promptly. In addition to regular professional skin exams (every three years for people age 20 to 40, and every year after 40), see a health professional immediate if you notice anything suspect. When should you be suspicious? If an existing skin growth changes in color, size and texture, or an existing lesion develops pain, swelling, bleeding or itching, let a doctor check it out. For all existing and new marks, look for any of the following characteristics listed as the ABCD system:
Asymmetry: One half of the abnormal area is different from the other half.
Borders: The lesion or growth has irregular edges.
Color: Color changes from one area to another, with shades of tan, brown, or black (sometimes white, red, or blue). A mixture of colors may appear within one lesion.
Diameter: The trouble spot is usually (but not always) larger than 6 mm in diameter—about the size of a pencil eraser.
Sources:
American Association of Dermatologists
American Cancer Society
Cancerconsultants.com
Matria Healthcare
University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute
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