There is no sure way to prevent melanoma. Some risk factors such as age, gender, race and family history cannot be controlled. However, there are some things you can do that can lower your risk of developing melanoma and other skin cancers. Limit sun exposure, practice sun safety, wear sunscreen, avoid tanning beds and watch for any abnormal moles or skin growths. Do you have any lesions you want to get checked out?
The vast majority of us have moles somewhere on our bodies. In fact, the average adult is known to have between 10 and 40 moles. So, it can be argued that moles are normal parts of our lives. There is, however, the concern that some moles can be cancerous. Because of their ties to melanoma, many people choose to have their moles investigated. This, of course, is a good idea depending on the nature of your moles.
What are the things to look out for when examining moles?
As Sarah Stacey reports in the U.K.-based Daily Mail, there are some determining factors that may present some dangers. When examining your moles, look for uneven colouring and/or more than one shade. Also be on the lookout for ragged or uneven edges, any bleeding, itching, inflamed or crusty moles. You should also look for moles that are growing larger than the width of a pencil.
What should be done if these things are noticed?
It’s highly advisable that you consult a physician. Ruling out melanoma is incredibly important. Again, because moles are so prevalent, their appearance does not necessarily mean that skin cancer is present. So ruling it out should be a rule of thumb. As Amy Fleming explains on TheGuardian.com, cancerous moles do have a certain look.
“Most moles have only one or two colours, whereas cancerous moles – melanomas – can be an uneven mixture of light brown, dark brown, black, red or pink,” she describes, “Ragged edges, very large moles and bleeding, itching, swollen, crusty or inflamed moles all warrant a visit to the GP. If you check your moles every few months, you should notice anything worth reporting, but even if you think a mole warrants medical assessment, don’t panic: atypical moles affect 10% of the population but only one in 10,000 of these people will have a melanoma.”
What causes melanoma?
Prolonged sun exposure is a definite way to increase the risk of melanoma. Ultraviolet light from tanning beds is also a culprit. Naturally, to decrease the risk, sun exposure should be limited. As well, sunscreen with a high SPF should be worn along with wide-brimmed hats. Also, a complete avoidance of tanning beds should be practiced.
“Exposure to ultraviolet light increases the risk,” explains Fleming, “Whether from sunshine or solariums, UVA and UVB rays penetrate deep into the skin and can damage its DNA, leading to cancer. You are more likely to get melanoma if you have lots of moles or freckles, pale skin that burns easily, red or blond hair, or a family member who has had the disease.”
At Aurora Skin & Vein, we offer Mole, Cyst and Skin Tag Removal. Moles, cysts and skin tags are usually harmless. However, some moles pose a risk for skin cancer while some cysts can be painful. Our physicians can determine if removing your skin lesion is medically necessary or simply cosmetically desirable, and develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your concerns.
For more information, please don’t hesitate to call us at 403-358-5818. You may also fill out the form on our Contact Us page!