According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, “The most dangerous form of skin cancer, these cancerous growths develop when unrepaired DNA damage to skin cells (most often caused by ultraviolet radiation from sunshine or tanning beds) triggers mutations (genetic defects) that lead the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumors.”
Melanoma typically stems from problems in melanocytes and may appear in the form of a mole and may be a variety of colors including, brown, black, skin tone, blue, or purple. Over 10,000 people from the United States a year die from melanoma.
Melanoma can be treated if caught early but if caught too late, it can be hard to eliminate as it may advance to other parts of the body.
Preventative Actions that Lower Your Risk of Melanoma:
- Stay in the shade
- Don’t burn your skin
- Wear a Broad Spectrum (UVA/UVB) SPF and reapply throughout the day
- Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure
- Examine your skin head to toe each month following the ABCDE’s
- Avoid tanning beds
- Wear clothes that protect your skin from the sun
