Melanoma Monday

Stay strong, and let’s beat melanoma!

Today might seem to most to be an ordinary day, but for those working in or near the healthcare field, it is Melanoma Monday. It is part of a month-long awareness effort called National Melanoma Month. Every year on the first Monday of May, we raise awareness about skin cancer intending to reduce melanoma diagnosis. Melanoma is the deadliest kind of skin cancer. Melanomas can also form in other body parts, including the eye, beneath the nails, and within the nose and mouth. While melanoma is considered a less common form of skin cancer, its prevalence appears to be increasing in recent years.
 

It's the ideal time to stock up on sun protection supplies and plan your approach for this summer.  Melanoma Monday is dedicated to raising awareness about skin wellness, sunlight safety, tanning prevention, and skin cancer screenings. While melanoma skin cancers are not completely preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of developing them. We are on a mission to give resources and information to raise melanoma awareness and, perhaps, to reduce the incidence of melanoma diagnosis.
 

Importance Of Melanoma Monday 
 

We know that having any form of cancer can be extremely frightening. Melanoma is the most invasive kind of skin cancer and has the highest chance of death for individuals who are unfamiliar with all types of skin cancer. The American Cancer Society predicts that over 98,000 people will be diagnosed with melanoma by 2023. Unfortunately, the sickness is predicted to cause the deaths of roughly 8,000 people. This is why it is so important to take action to reduce your risk of skin cancer and get screened for skin cancer. It is common for some people to be unaware that they have cancer. Even if you believe you are healthy, annual checks and screenings may only benefit your health.
 

History Of Melanoma Monday 
 

The American Academy of Dermatology established National Melanoma Monday in 1980 to improve melanoma awareness. The Academy seeks to promote prevention and expand screening by highlighting prevention resources ahead of the summer months. People also wear orange to raise awareness about skin cancer, not just on this day of celebration but throughout National Melanoma Month.
 

Melanoma Causes And Risk Factors

Most experts agree that excessive sun exposure, particularly sunburns while you are young, is a key risk factor for melanoma. According to statistics, solar ultraviolet (UV) rays cause 86% of melanomas. UV rays can damage a cell's DNA, causing alterations to specific genes that regulate how cells grow and divide. When your skin's DNA is broken and cells begin to reproduce, problems can arise. UV radiation from tanning beds is also a risk factor for melanoma and has been classified as a carcinogen (cancer-causing agent) by the World Health Organisation. 
 

Although anyone can develop melanoma, people with the following risk factors are more likely to develop the disease:
 

• A personal melanoma story.
• Melanoma runs in the family.
• Fair skin, freckles, blond or red hair, and blue eyes are all characteristics.
• Excessive sun exposure, including sunburns.
• A residence near the equator or at high altitudes - residing in these areas may increase your UV exposure.
• A history of using tanning beds.
• There are several moles, particularly unusual moles.
• A weakened immune system.
   

ABCDE - Melanoma Warning Signs

To help raise awareness and make the melanoma warning symptoms more remember, the signs of a potentially malignant mole can be abbreviated to the mnemonic: ABCDE

A-Asymmetry: Is the mole symmetric? Imagine a line drawn across the center of the mole; if the two halves do not match, the mole is asymmetrical. Seek medical attention if you have an asymmetrical mole.
 

B - Border: Does the mole's border or edge appear uneven? If this is the case, please seek medical attention.
 

C - Colour: Is the mole a single color? If a mole has multiple colors or shades of the same color, this could be a warning indication. Seek medical care.
 

D - Diameter: The size of the mole. Melanomas are frequently 6mm (1/4 inch) or more in diameter (diameter is the length across the mole).
 

E - Evolving: has the mole's shape, size, or color changed? Have you observed any other changes from the mole, such as bleeding, itching, or pus? Seek medical care if you notice any of these symptoms.
 

Skin Cancer Prevention Tips

• Wear sunscreen to shield yourself from harmful UV rays, and reapply it throughout the day.
• When going outdoors in the sun for an extended period, wear a broad-brimmed hat, long sleeves, and pants.
• Finding shelter under trees, umbrellas, and awnings gives good sun protection on hot, bright days.
• On cloudy days, you should also protect your skin from UV rays. The absence of sunlight does not imply the absence of UV radiation.
• Stay away from tanning beds. UV light from tanning beds increases your risk of melanoma.
• Examine your skin regularly for odd moles or other skin irregularities. If you detect any changes, consult your doctor.

Conclusion

Lastly, this day serves as a reminder of the significance of skin cancer prevention and detection. Protecting ourselves from dangerous UV radiation by wearing protective clothes, applying sunscreen, and avoiding excessive sun exposure, especially during peak hours is vital. Regular self-examinations of the skin and expert skin checks are also necessary to identify any dangerous moles or skin changes early on. Let us celebrate every Melanoma Monday Awareness Day by prioritizing our skin health and raising awareness in our communities.