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Sun Shy
Understanding and Preventing Melanoma
By Aneema Van Groenou, M.D.
The treatment for melanoma depends on the extent of the disease. If the melanoma is caught early, a local excision, or removal, of the cancerous mole may be completely curative. However, what makes melanoma dangerous is its ability to spread to other parts of the body. More extensive melanoma may require treatment by a team of specialists.
The first step to preventing melanoma is knowing what puts you at risk. Unfortunately, even if you are dark skinned and rarely burn, you can develop melanoma. So prevention and early detection are key.
Always protect your skin with high SPF (sun protection factor) sunscreen. Use SPF 15 and above sunscreens only, since these are more effective. If you are sweating or getting wet, reapply sun protection often and use waterproof creams.
Wear sun-protective clothing, especially if you are in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Loose, long-sleeved shirts, long pants and wide-brimmed hats are a good idea.
Check your skin regularly. And check the skin of your loved ones. Keep track of moles and discuss any changes with your doctor. Get regular physician exams so that an experienced eye can look for suspicious lesions. There is no harm in getting a biopsy and finding out you have nothing to worry about!
Your best protection against this dangerous disease is getting melanoma smart and sun shy.
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