May Is Melanoma Awareness Month

Ali's melanoma scar 1 month after surgery.

• Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States.

• Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than the combined incidence of cancers of the breast, prostate, lung and colon.

• Skin cancer affects one in five Americans, and more than 1 million new cases are diagnosed each year. Of these cases, more than 65,000 are melanoma, a cancer that claims nearly 11,000 lives each year.

• Studies have confirmed that sun exposure is responsible for the development of at least two-thirds of all melanomas, it is estimated that 80 percent of a person’s lifetime sun damage occurs before the age of 18

• Studies have shown that sunburn is often the result of incorrect use of sunscreen. Since people frequently apply only 20 to 50 percent of the recommended amount of sunscreen, they only receive 20 to 50 percent of the SPF.

• People with fair skin & reddish or blond mane, light eyes, freckling & who get sunburnt easily are at greater risk for melanoma. However, people of color could develop melanoma & have a greater likelihood of dying from it. This is due to the erroneous belief that they aren’t at risk.

• Using tanning beds before age 30 increases your risk of developing melanoma by 75 percent, occasionally using them can triple your chances. It's all about the faux glow! There are great lotions, self tanners & spray tans to achieve a healthy, SAFE, glow!

Rest In Peace, Bob Marley! He passed away 30 years ago today at age 36 as a result of a malignant melanoma (a type of skin cancer) that began from an injured toe and later spread to his lungs and brain.

PROTECT YOURSELF!

• sun's rays are the strongest 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Avoid
• whenever possible Seek
• of 15 or higher Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an
• and Wear sun-protective clothing and accessories, such as wide-brimmed
• -- if your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun's damaging rays are at their strongest and you are likely to burn Follow the
• is still the most important tool for catching skin cancer early—and treating it effectivelyin moles, warts and other blemishes on the skin, especially parts which are exposed to the sun. to check for Conduct a

ABCDE!

• A - Asymmetrical or rough outline. Fifty percent of the mole differs from the rest half of it.
• B - irregular border.  Borders might be raggedy or blurry.
• C - Change in colour or irregular colour. Mole might be brownish, reddish, tan or blackish.
• D - Diameter. The mole is big measuring 1/4th inch or more.
• E - Evolving. One should be reporting any alteration in the size, form, risen appearance or texture at the earliest.