What is Melanoma?
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that begins in melanocytes-the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color.
What Causes Melanoma?
The exact cause of melanomas isn’t completely clear, but most are linked to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, which comes from sunlight and tanning beds. UV exposure damages the DNA in skin cells, leading to abnormal cell growth. While UV light is the biggest known risk factor, other causes may also play a role, especially in cases of hidden melanomas that occur in part of the body not usually exposed to the sun.
Who’s at Risk?
- People under 50, especially women, are seeing rising rates of melanoma.
- Individuals with fair skin, freckles, light-colored eyes, and blonde or red hair are more prone to melanoma.
- If you’ve had blistering sunburns, used tanning beds, or have a family history of melanoma, your risk is higher.
- Having more than 50 moles, or atypical moles, also increases your chances.
- People with a weakened immune system due to illness.
What does Melanoma look Like?
They often start as moles or pigmented growth, but they don’t always. Knowing how to distinguish between a normal mole and something potentially serious is critical.
Typical Moles
- Uniform in color (pink, tan, brown, or black)
- Round or oval with smooth edges
- Common in childhood through age 40
How Melanoma Develops
Melanoma starts when DNA mutation in melanocytes instruct the cells to grow and divide uncontrollably. This leads to the formation of tumors, which may invade surrounding tissue or spread to other parts of the body, including lymph nodes, lungs, liver, and even the brain.
Different Stages
Prevention: Your Best Defense
Here’s how to significantly reduce your risk:
Avoid tanning beds
Opt for sunless tanner instead.
Stay out of the sun
Between the hours of 10am through 4pm.
Wear protective clothing
Wear long sleeves, wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
Use Sunscreen Daily
Use SPF 30 or higher and reapply every 90 minutes. Don’t forget lip balm with SPF.
When to See a Doctor
Make an appointment if you have:
- A history of sunburns or skin cancer
- Unusual or changing moles
- A family history of melanoma
- A mole that itches, bleeds, or feels tender
Regular skin exams by a dermatologist can catch melanoma early when it most treatable.
resources
Take a look
Know the Signs
Here you can see a visual representation of Melanoma to help with early identification.
Educational Resource
Get Informed
The mission of the American Cancer Society is to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.
Any Florida BLue Member 18+
Next Steps Health Coaching
Experience individualized health coaching with the Florida Blue Next Steps Health Coaching program. Health coaching is free for all Florida Blue members who are ages 18+ and is available through phone and email with a Registered Nurse Certified Health Coach.
During these one-on-one sessions, discuss health and wellness topics that matter to you.
get the Help You need
Find a Provider
Scheduling regular health check-ups is crucial, even if you feel perfectly healthy. These check-ups can play pivotal role in early detection of condition like skin cancer, which is especially important since early diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes. Dermatologist can conduct thorough skin examination to spot any unusual changes or abnormalities that might be overlooked otherwise.
Educational resource
Be Informed
The Skin Cancer Foundation’s mission is to save and improve lives by empowering individuals to take a proactive approach to daily sun protection and the early detection and treatment of skin cancer. They provide tools to help people understand the risks of skin cancer, demonstrative preventive measures and teach how to identify potential skin cancers at an early stage when they are usually curable.
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