Melanoma Information:
• Melanoma is a malignant skin tumor that involves the skin cells that produce pigment and melanin.

• Melanoma is often curable if detected and treated in its early stages.

• The chance of developing melanoma increases with age. By protecting the skin during the first 18 years the risk of skin cancer can be reduced by 78%.

• Melanoma is the number one cancer of women under 35.

• On a per-case basis, Colorado has one of the highest incidence rates of melanoma in the country.

• Melanoma is on the rise.  New York University statistics show that Melanoma is increasing by approximately 2% annually. 

Prevention:

• Schedule yearly skin cancer screening and examine skin monthly for early detection. 

• Wear SPF 15 and higher on exposed skin and wear sunglasses and hats.

•  Reduce amount of outside activities between 10am and 3pm.

• Get screened annually, by a dermatologist for melanoma.  Have your children screened.  Encourage your friends, co-workers and loved ones to do so as well.  According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for late stage melanoma is about 20%.  When detected early, however, that number jumps to over 90%. 

• Call your dermatologist and make an appointment. If you need assistance finding a good dermatologist, log onto www.aad.org (American Academy of Dermatology).  They have a comprehensive, nationwide database. Alternatively, some hospitals & clinics offer free screenings.

•  Insist on having your whole body checked, including your scalp, the soles of your feet, the palms of your of hands, and even those places that aren’t directly exposed to the sun!  Melanoma is difficult to detect and does not only afflict those with fair skin and freckles.

•  Self-examinations are also critical.  Knowing your skin, the moles, freckles and marks on your body and recognizing any change in their appearance,  is essential to early detection.  Spots on the skin that change in size, shape, texture, color or begin to bleed, or any new growths that appear, may indicate melanoma.   If you notice these things, see your dermatologist right away.  Again, early detection of melanoma can sometimes make the difference between life and death.

• The National Cancer Institute (NCI) recommends that you remember your ABCD’s in regard to melanoma:

Assemetry - one half of the mole / lesion does not match the other.

Borders or edges are ragged, notched, blurred or irregular.

Color may be uneven with black, brown, tan, pink, white, red, gray, blue.

Diameter - change in size, usually an increase to bigger than a pencil eraser