Skin Cancer Prevention

Too much exposure to the sun, family history, and moles are all contributing factors in developing melanoma. Fair skin is also a high risk factor, but darker skin isn't immune to skin cancer. As a matter of fact, the American Cancer Society says melanoma cases are actually rising in African American, Asian, and Latin communities.

One year ago, 44-year-old Elmer McNeal sought treatment for a rash on his foot, but he soon found out that he had a much bigger problem: a mole there that turned out to be skin cancer. He says, "She didn't sugarcoat it. She told me it was a deadly form of melanoma and it needed to be addressed right away. It was something that was life-threatening and, within a year, could be potentially fatal."

Melanoma is on the rise in this country. According to the American Cancer Society, there are more than 60,000 new cases each year. Nearly 8,000 Americans die annually of the disease—almost one every hour. The disease is more prevalent in whites, but it is increasing in people of color, and for them, it's often more deadly. According to Dr. Paula Bourelly, a dermatologist at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C., "You need to be looking in areas that don't necessarily get the sun … for example the palms, the soles, in between your fingers, in between your toes, and in your nails … because those are the types of melanomas that can be the most deadly, and they're the ones that most commonly affect people of color."

Experts say genetics and family history most likely play a large role for people of color, but they still say they need to be concerned about the amount of sun they're getting. Dr. Bourelly explains, "I don't want to lull people into a false sense of security to where they say, 'Since the sun is not going to be my issue because I have brown skin, I don't have to worry about protecting myself … I don't have to worry about wearing sunscreen.'"

Whether it is exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays or genetics that is pulling the trigger, melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, and doctors say early detection is key regardless of skin color. So if you have a mole that changes color, shape, or texture, see your doctor because melanoma is almost always curable in its early stages. But once it spreads, the prognosis is poor.

As the weather gets warmer, it's a good time to think about sun protection. The American Cancer Society recommends that you use sunscreen and lip balm with an SPF factor of 15 or higher—and that means every day, not just when you head off to the beach. Also wear long sleeves and a hat when you can, and don't forget about your eyes. Look for sunglasses that block 99-100% of all UV light. Some manufacturers' labels say "UV absorption up to 400nm." This is the same thing as 100% UV absorption.

For more information about skin or sun protection, you can talk to your doctor or contact the American Cancer Society.

From: http://www.accenthealth.com/features/200704/