The ABCs of Skin Cancer: Melanoma Awareness Month

May is Melanoma Awareness Month, a crucial time to educate ourselves about melanoma, one of the most serious types of skin cancer. Understanding how to prevent it, recognize its early signs, and protect our skin can make a significant difference in our health. Lucky for you, preventing cancer and looking good go hand-in-hand. Let’s dive into the facts and the essential role sunscreen plays in our daily skincare routine.

Understanding Melanoma

Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that originates in melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives our skin its colour. While the average age of diagnosis is 65, melanoma is increasingly common in young adults, and it’s not rare for patients younger than 30 to be diagnosed. This makes awareness and early detection key.

Risk Factors

UV light exposure is a major risk factor for melanoma, but it’s not the only one. People over 60, men, and those with fair skin are at greater risk. 70% of skin melanomas do not originate from existing moles but can still indicate a higher risk if you have a large number of moles. Regular skin checks and monitoring any changes in your skin are essential.

The Importance of Sunscreen

Sunscreen is your first line of defense against UV radiation. Studies have shown that regular use of just SPF 15 sunscreen can reduce your risk of melanoma by 50%. The key is to find a sunscreen you love and will use consistently. Here are our top picks:

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield: provides all-mineral protection from environmental aggressors such as UVA/UVB, pollution, blue light, and infrared radiation.

Colorescience Sunforgettable Enviroscreen Protection Brush-On: this all-powerful, all-mineral skin shield provides complete protection in one convenient, on-the-go application—alone or over makeup. 

Elta MD-UV Daily: has hyaluronic acid to boost moisture retention and diminish fine lines. This lightweight moisturizer with UV protection can be worn alone or under makeup.

We often emphasize using sunscreen to prevent cosmetic issues like wrinkles and dark spots, but its role in preventing skin cancer is far more critical. Regular use of sunscreen protects against harmful UV radiation, which can lead to mutations in skin cells and the development of melanoma. Incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine, even on cloudy days, can significantly reduce your risk.

The ABCs of Skin Cancer

Early detection of melanoma significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. The ABCs of skin cancer provide a simple guide for checking your skin:

A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other half.

B – Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.

C – Colour: The colour is not uniform and may include shades of brown, black, or sometimes patches of pink, red, white, or blue.

D – Diameter: The spot is larger than 6mm across (about the size of a pencil eraser), although melanomas can sometimes be smaller.

E – Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or colour.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to see a dermatologist as soon as possible.

Melanoma Awareness Month serves as a reminder that protecting your skin from the sun is a vital part of your health routine. Wear sunscreen daily, seek shade, wear protective clothing, and stay vigilant about changes in your skin. Early detection and prevention are key to combating skin cancer and maintaining healthy, beautiful skin.