The incidence of malignant melanoma, the potentially lethal cancer of the skin’s pigment-producing cells, has increased five to six fold worldwide over the past four decades. Some researchers expect it to double again in the decade to come. Circumstantial evidence points to increase exposure to damaging ultraviolent radiation as a major factor in this enormous increase, which has coincided with the tanning mania of recent decades and the thinning of the ozone layer. Once melanoma was a disease of the aging. Now half of all those who develop it are between the ages of 15 and 50.
Certainly, whatever your age, one of the major steps you can take to avoid all forms of skin cancer is to avoid sun: use adequate sunscreens and wear protective clothing. The only sure way to avoida serious outcome however, is to diagnose melanoma in its initial stages. The disease may lie dormant for vears. but once in motion it can progress quickly. Early detection is thus the key.
In most successfully treated cases, the patients themselves bring their melanoma to their doctors attention early on. There are several early warning signs. Each month examine the spots, moles and blemishes on your body. Most of these are normal: we’re born with some moles, others appear and disappear throughout our lives. Also, we as we age, “liver” spots patches of darkened skin, like freckles develop. There are areas like the upper back that are difficult to examine on your own. That’s why it’s a good idea to ask your doctor to include a total skin exam as part of your routine checkup.
What should you look for? * If a mole begins to enlarge, thicken, or change color, it could be a sign of melanoma, Some 70% of early stage lesions are identified because recent enlargement mottled color. irregular edges or irregular surfaces have come to the patient’s or doctor’s attention.
* If a mole suddenly begins to grow, or if it bleeds or ulcerates see your doctor.
What are the risk factors?
Melanoma is likelier to show up among * People with fair skin, blond or red hair, blue eyes, a high incidence of moles, and or a tendency to bum rather than tan.
* Those who spend a lot of time in the sun unprotected. And the sunnier the climate, the higher the incidence of melanoma.
* People with a family history of melanoma.
Once malignant melanoma is detected the treatment is prompt surgical removal. If done in the early stages, the five year survival rate is 95%, the 10 year rate, 90%. If done during a later stage, when a tumor has begun to invade the surrounding tissues or other areas of the body, the survival rate drops sharply. Vigilance requires a minimum of time and effort. Be alert.
Article extracted from this publication >> June 9, 1989
