Melanoma Monday: Your Guide to Skin Health Awareness
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.
Why is awareness important in preventing melanoma?
Raising awareness is key to preventing serious outcomes from melanoma, one of the most aggressive forms of skin cancer. Every year in May, Skin Cancer Awareness Month is observed to highlight the risks of UV exposure and the importance of regular skin checks.
As part of this, Melanoma Awareness Month focuses on educating people specifically about melanoma warning signs and encouraging early diagnosis. It’s a time when healthcare providers stress the value of timely action.
The black Melanoma Awareness Ribbon is a powerful symbol of support and solidarity. It's worn by patients, survivors, and advocates to spread awareness and promote skin health.
Many hospitals and clinics in India lead skin cancer campaigns during this month, offering free screenings and sun protection tips to help people stay informed and proactive.
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 Cancer 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 symptoms
To help raise awareness and make the melanoma symptoms more remember, the signs of a potentially malignant melanoma 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.
What are the treatments for melanoma?
Treatment for melanoma depends on the type, stage, and whether the cancer has spread. Most melanomas are treatable when caught early, but aggressive types may need more advanced therapies.
Standard treatment options:
- Surgery: Early-stage melanomas are typically treated with surgical removal of the lesion along with a small margin of healthy skin. Even nail melanoma, often found under the fingernails or toenails (also called subungual melanoma), may require surgical excision or, in some cases, removal of part of the nail or digit.
- Immunotherapy: Advanced melanomas like nodular melanoma, which grows more rapidly, are often treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors such as nivolumab or pembrolizumab. These medicines help the body’s immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells.
- Targeted therapy: For melanomas with BRAF mutations — common in aggressive forms like acral lentiginous melanoma, which usually appears on the soles, palms, or under the nails — drugs like dabrafenib and trametinib may help stop the cancer from growing.
- Chemotherapy and radiation: While less common today, older drugs like dacarbazine and radiation therapy may still be used for specific cases or when other treatments aren't suitable. For example, choroidal melanoma, a rare eye melanoma, may need a different approach including plaque radiotherapy or even enucleation (eye removal) in advanced stages.
- Follow-up care: Lifelong monitoring is often needed after treatment to check for recurrence. Doctors may also recommend lifestyle changes and nutritional support to improve immune system strength during and after treatment.
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 malignant melanoma.
- Examine your skin regularly for odd moles or other skin irregularities. If you detect any changes, consult your doctor.
FAQs
1. What is melanoma and can it be cured?
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops in the pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. It is the most aggressive form of skin cancer. However, melanoma can be cured, especially when detected early. Treatment options like surgery and immunotherapy are highly effective for early-stage melanoma.
2. What is skin cancer and is it curable?
Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells, often caused by sun exposure or other factors like genetics and immune system health. Yes, most types of skin cancer, especially basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, are curable with early detection and treatment.
3. What are the signs of skin cancer?
Signs of skin cancer include new moles, changes in existing moles, and growths that bleed, itch, or don’t heal. Pay attention to asymmetry, uneven borders, and color variations.
4. How long can you have melanoma and not know it?
Melanoma can develop slowly over months or even years, especially in its early stages. Some types, like nodular melanoma, can spread rapidly, so regular skin checks are essential.
5. How to identify melanoma?
Melanoma often appears as an irregularly shaped mole with uneven borders, multiple colors, and changes over time. The ABCDE rule is a helpful guide for identification.
Conclusion
Lastly, this day serves as a reminder of the significance of Melanoma 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 prioritising our skin health and raising awareness in our communities.
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