The Patterns Of Skin Cancer

The Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention

Researchers at hospitals and medical centers all across the country are studying melanoma. They are trying to learn what causes the disease and how to prevent it. At this time, the causes of melanoma are not fully understood. It is clear, however, that this disease is not contagious; no one can "catch" cancer from another person.

By studying patterns of cancer in the population, researchers have found certain risk factors that are more common in people who develop melanoma than in people who do not get this disease. It is important to know, however, that most people with these risk factors do not get melanoma, and many who do get this disease have none of these risk factors.

The following are some of the factors associated with this disease:

• Family history of melanoma--Having two or more close relatives who have had this disease is a risk factor because melanoma sometimes runs in families. About 10 percent of all patients with melanoma have family members who also have had this disease. When melanoma runs in a family, the family members should be checked regularly by a doctor.
• Dysplastic nevi--Dysplastic nevi are more likely than ordinary moles to become cancerous. Many people have only a few of these abnormal moles; the risk of melanoma is greater for people with a large number of dysplastic nevi. The risk is especially high for people who have a family history of both dysplastic nevi and melanoma.
• History of melanoma--People who have been treated for melanoma are at a high risk for developing a second melanoma.
• Weakened immune system--People whose immune system is weakened by certain cancers, by drugs given following organ transplants, or by AIDS are at increased risk of developing melanoma.
• Many ordinary moles (more than 50)--Because melanoma usually begins in the melanocytes of an existing mole, having many moles increases the risk of developing this disease.
• Ultraviolet (UV) radiation--Experts believe that much of the worldwide increase in melanoma is related to an increase in the amount of time people spend in the sun. This disease is also more common in people who live in areas that get large amounts of UV radiation from the sun. In the United States, for example, melanoma is more common in Texas than it is in Minnesota, where the sun is not as strong. UV radiation from the sun causes premature aging of the skin and skin damage that can lead to melanoma. (Two types of ultraviolet radiation--UVA and UVB--are explained in the Glossary.) Artificial sources of UV radiation, such as sunlamps and tanning booths, also can cause skin damage and probably an increased risk of melanoma.

  To help prevent and reduce the risk of melanoma caused by UV radiation, people should avoid exposure to the midday sun (from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) whenever possible. Another simple rule is to protect yourself from the sun when your shadow is shorter than you are. Wearing a hat and long sleeves offers protection. Also, lotion, cream, or gel that contains sunscreen can help protect the skin. Many doctors believe sunscreens may help prevent melanoma, especially those that reflect, absorb, and/or scatter both types of ultraviolet radiation. Sunscreens are rated in strength according to a sun protection factor (SPF). The higher the SPF, the more sunburn protection is provided. Sunscreens with an SPF value of 2 to 11 provide minimal protection against sunburns. Sunscreens with an SPF of 12 to 29 provide moderate protection. Those with an SPF of 30 or higher provide high protection against sunburn. Sunglasses that have UV-absorbing lenses should also be worn. The label should specify that the lenses block at least 99 percent of UVA and UVB radiation.

• Severe, blistering sunburns--People who have had one or more severe, blistering sunburns as a child or teenager are at increased risk for melanoma. Because of this, doctors advise protecting children's skin from the sun, which they hope will help prevent, or at least reduce the risk of, melanoma later in life. Sunburns in adulthood are also a risk factor for melanoma.
• Fair skin--Melanoma occurs more frequently in people who have fair skin that burns or freckles easily (these people also usually have red or blond hair and blue eyes) than in people with dark skin. White people get melanoma far more often than do black people, probably because light skin is more easily damaged by the sun.

People who are concerned about melanoma should talk with their doctor about the disease, the symptoms to watch for, and an appropriate schedule for checkups. The doctor's advice will be based on the person's personal and family history, medical history, and the other risk factors described above.

WANT TO GET BACK IN SHAPE FAST?

I know, you've been putting it off. you've wanted to join the gym or start walking more... well that didn't happen. You should check out this weight loss book. It helped me lose 30 pounds!