Risks You are more likely to develop melanoma if you: Have fair skin, blue or green eyes, or red or blonde hair. Live in sunny climates or at high altitudes Spend a lot of time in high levels of sunlight because of your job or other activities. Have had one or more blistering sunburns Use tanning devices. References: American cancer society: Melanoma skin cancer. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.cancer.org/canc er/skincancer-melanoma/ind ex "Melanoma centers of excellence". (2001-2011). Retrieved CAUSES AND PREVENTION Melanoma is caused by changes in cells called melanocytes, which produce a skin pigment called melanin. Melanin is responsible for skin and hair color. It can appear on normal skin, or it may begin as a mole or other area that has changed in appearance. Some moles that are present at birth may develop into melanomas. HOW YOU CAN DETECT AND PREVENT The American Cancer Society recommends professional skin examinations every year for people older than 40, and every 3 years for people ages 20-40. You should also examine your skin once a month. Call your doctor of you notice any changes. Always apply high-quality sunscreens with sun protection factor (SPF) ratings of at least 15, even when you are only going outdoors for a short time. Also apply large amounts of sunscreen on all exposed areas, which do include ears and feet. Look for sunscreens that block both UVA and UVB light and waterproof formulas have been proven to work. ARE YOU AT RISK FOR MELANOMA? Being educated of the warning signs can save your life! Contact for support: Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute | 4100 John R Detroit, MI 48201 | 1-800-527-6266
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Risks
You are more likely to develop
melanoma if you:
Have fair skin, blue or green eyes, or
red or blonde hair.
Live in sunny climates or at high
altitudes
Spend a lot of time in high levels of
sunlight because of your job or other
activities.
Have had one or more blistering
sunburns
Use tanning devices.
References:
American cancer society: Melanoma skin cancer. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.cancer.org/cancer/skincancer-melanoma/index
"Melanoma centers of excellence". (2001-2011). Retrieved from http://www.melanomahopenetwork.org/TwoCol.asp?SID=6294
National cancer institute: Melanoma. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/melanoma
CAUSES AND PREVENTION
Melanoma is caused by changes in cells called melanocytes,
which produce a skin pigment called melanin. Melanin is
responsible for skin and hair color. It can appear on normal
skin, or it may begin as a mole or other area that has changed
in appearance. Some moles that are present at birth may
develop into melanomas.
The risk of developing melanoma increases with age. However,
it is also frequently seen in young people.
HOW YOU CAN DETECT AND PREVENT
The American Cancer Society recommends professional skin
examinations every year for people older than 40, and every 3 years for
people ages 20-40. You should also examine your skin once a month.
Call your doctor of you notice any changes.
Always apply high-quality sunscreens with sun protection factor (SPF)
ratings of at least 15, even when you are only going outdoors for a short
time. Also apply large amounts of sunscreen on all exposed areas,
which do include ears and feet.
Look for sunscreens that block both UVA and UVB light and waterproof
formulas have been proven to work.
Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside, and reapply
it frequently, especially after swimming.
ARE YOU AT RISK FOR MELANOMA?Being educated of the warning signs can save your life!
Contact for support: Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute | 4100 John R Detroit, MI 48201 | 1-800-527-6266
Enter Contact Information Here | 1127 Lombard Blvd. San Francisco, CA 59802 | phone 555.555.5555 | fax 555.555.5555Enter Contact Information Here | 1127 Lombard Blvd. San Francisco, CA 59802 | phone 555.555.5555 | fax 555.555.5555
What does Melanoma do to your body?Melanoma initially forms on the skin, which is a part of the integumentary system. This system is responsible for protecting the body's internal organs and tissues from the external environment in order for the body to continue to work properly (maintain homeostasis). When melanoma forms it effects pigmentation of the skin and protection against UV Radiation. However, the effects of melanoma that has remained localized to an area on the skin are minimal. If the cancer spreads to other places such as your eyes it can affect the nervous system and in worse cases it can spread to vital organs such as the lungs if not detected.
ALWAYS PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE SUN.
DETECTION AND TREATMENT OPTIONS
A mole, sore, lump, or growth on the skin can be a sign of
melanoma. The ABCDE system can help you detect possible
symptoms of melanoma.
Asymmetry: One half of the abnormal are is different from
the other half. Borders: The edges of the growth are irregular.
Color: changes from one are to another, with shades of tan,
brown, or black. Diameter: the spot is usually larger than 6
mm in diameter. Evolution: the mole keeps changing
appearance.
If Melanoma is detected treatment options will be taken into
the hands of your doctors based on how severe the case is.
Surgery such as Mohs microscopic surgery or outpatient,
chemotherapy, and immunotherapy are among the common
treatments that are preformed.
Contact for support: Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute | 4100 John R Detroit, MI 48201 | 1-800-527-6266
PICTURE SHOWS LAYERS OF SKIN WITH MELAMONA.
SUNSCREEN IS KEY TO PREVENTING MELANOMA!
UVA AND UVB RAYS ARE AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE
DEVELOPMENT OF MELANOMA.
ARE YOU AT RISK FOR MELANOMA?BEING EDUCATED OF THE WARNING SIGNS CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE!
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