Health Update: When The Tan Fades Away

And just like that, summer has come and gone. As we say goodbye to the longer days, BBQ’s, pool parties, and beach vacations, we also say goodbye to the sun kissed tans. For many, summer was spent outside soaking up the sun and warm weather. Basking in the glow of the sun can make us feel good, and in the short term, make us look good. However, too much sun exposure can be life threatening.

How often do you look at your own skin? I mean really scrutinize it until you notice something as small as a change in size or the color of a mole? How often do you look at the skin on your back or on the back of your legs? For most people, the answer is never. As we approach fall, I encourage you to take a break from the sun and examine your skin.

Melanoma is a very serious type of skin cancer that affects the melanocytes of the skin. Melanoma is most often found on the chest or back for males and on the legs of females, although they can be found anywhere on the body. The American Cancer Society has estimated that 76,000 people will be diagnosed with Melanoma this year. The United States Surgeon General has reported that from the approximately 13,000 deaths a year caused by skin cancer, Melanoma will account for up to 75% of them. Up to 16% of melanomas have already spread to other parts of the body by the time they are diagnosed. The five and ten year survival rates once the disease has spread it is estimated that 62% of those afflicted will survive for five year and only 16% or lower will survive ten years. Often there are very few if any systemic symptoms until after it has already spread.

So what weapons do we have against this serious disease? The keys are early detection and actively decreasing risk factors. Almost all of us have moles (nevus), but many people don’t know when they should be concerned about a mole. In order to effectively detect a potentially dangerous skin development, just remember the ABCDE’s of a mole.

A is for Asymmetry. Ask yourself whether the mole is evenly rounded, or if one side may be much larger than the other.

B is for Border. The border of the mole should be smooth, rather than noticeably jagged.

C is for Color. Is the mole a consistent color throughout or are there several different shades of color in it. You should particularly note if there is a very dark spot inside the mole.

D is for Diameter. Generally speaking, no mole should be bigger than 6mm’s; for reference, this is about the size of an eraser on a pencil.

E is for Evolving. As you develop a routine of examining yourself, pay care attention to whether a mole you notice changes over time.

When preforming these skins checks it is particularly important to check or have someone assist you in checking the hard areas to see, like the back side of your body. If you notice any of the above concerning factors or even if you are just unsure about how a mole may look, you should make an appointment with your local doctor.

Equally important is actively limiting your risk factors. By far the most important risk factor is the time you spend in the sun, with the specific goal of avoiding getting a sun burn. It is estimated by research and advocacy groups like the American Skin Cancer Foundation that once you have had four or more sun burns your chances of getting Melanoma double.

When spending time in the sun, it is important to always wear sunscreen (preferably SPF 30) and make sure to re-apply at least every 2-3 hours. The most important consideration in choosing sun screen is blocking the Ultraviolet B (UVB Rays), which are the ones that tend to lead to sun burn and Melanoma. While SPF 15 sun screen blocks about 93% of UVB rays, SPF 30 blocks 97% of the UVB rays.

However, little things such as always wearing a hat and shirt when outside and staying in shaded areas as much as possible are easy things to do that can make huge impacts in your risk for developing not only Melanoma but all types of skin cancers.

Although Melanoma accounts for only 2% of all skin cancers, it contains a threat far greater than most. For those people over 40 year old, it is also recommended to get a yearly skin exam by your doctor. If you have a lot of moles on your body, even if you are younger than 40, it would be valuable to get your skin regularly checked by a professional. Making sure you consistently maintain a few easy preventative measures and being more aware of your own skin has the potential to save your life.