Get Naked for Melanoma Awareness Month!

May is Melanoma awareness month and the MRF wants you to #getnaked. It could literally save your life. Almost 93% of melanoma cases are attributed to UV exposure and considered preventable. When we are able to catch melanoma early it’s very treatable and highly survivable.

We are committed to melanoma prevention and early treatment. That means getting your annual skin cancer screening and talking to you dermatologist about any new or changing skin spots. So, schedule an exam and strip down for skin cancer awareness.

What is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a type of cancer that occurs in melanocytes. These are the cells that produce pigments in our skin, hair, and eyes. While it most often occurs in the skin, it can affect other areas of the body. If it is left untreated, melanoma can spread to the liver, lungs, bones, and brains.

Types of Melanoma

There are several types of Melanoma that can occur and it’s important to understand the warning signs of each one.

• Cutaneous Melanoma. This is the most common melanoma, which occurs on the skin. It can occur on any part of the skin, including palms, soles of the feet, between toes or fingers, and underneath finger or toenails.
• Ocular Melanoma. Ocular melanoma develops in the eye. It is the second most common primary eye tumor in adults, with nearly 2,000 new cases diagnosed in the US each year.
• Mucosal Melanoma. Mucosal melanoma is rare, making up only about 1% of melanoma cases. Pigment producing cells are also found in the mucosal surfaces of the body, so melanoma can form there as well. This includes the lining of the sinuses, nasal passages, mouth, anus, vagina, and other areas.
• Pediatric Melanoma. Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer and rates are rising for kids and adults. Pediatric and adolescent melanoma is rare, but it does occur.

Raising Awareness

Skin cancer impacts thousands of people each day in the US. Many of these cancers are preventable. Raising awareness of the danger, as well as educating people on warning signs can help prevent skin cancer and promote early detection.

Sun Safety. Wear a broad spectrum, SPF 30, or higher sunscreen every day. Wear protective clothing when outdoors and seek shade when possible.

Reapply Sunscreen. Reapply every two hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.

Ditch Tanning Beds. Indoor tanning devices like beds, lamps, and tanning bulbs emit harmful UV rays. Studies show that indoor tanning increases your risk of developing melanoma and other skin cancers. If you just have to have a tanned look, choose a self- tanner.

Base Tans Don’t Protect You. Tanning is not a safe way to protect yourself against sunburn. The damage just builds up, increasing your risk of skin cancer.

Self-Checks

The AAD highly recommends scheduling an annual skin cancer exam, but we also encourage people to perform skin self-exams. These can help us catch melanoma early when it is highly treatable.

To perform a self-exam, you check your entire body for any new moles or spots. You should also check any existing spots for changes in color, size, or shape. If you notice changes or a suspicious spot, you should see your dermatologist right away. Don’t wait.

Schedule a Screening Today with a Melanoma Specialist

If you haven’t’ seen a dermatologist for a skin cancer screening, now is the perfect time. Remember that early detection is essential and ensure the best treatment outcomes.

Schedule today with a skin cancer specialist and #getnaked for Melanoma Awareness Month. Cronin Dermatology specializes in skin cancer treatment, lasers, cosmetic procedures, acne treatment, and anti-aging treatments. Contact us today for a one-on-one consultation!