May is Melanoma Awareness Month

Melanoma Awareness

I recently learned that May is Melanoma Awareness Month. Skin Cancer is especially near and dear to my heart because I had a mole removed two years ago that was found to be pre-melanoma. The only reason that I went and had a skin check was a conversation with my girl friends in which we talked about the increase in Melanoma cases. And sure enough, one of my moles was abnormal. Since then I have had skin checks every 3 months and so far have had several other moles removed. So this is my chance to share with everyone else the importance of getting your skin checked and to share a little bit about the signs and causes of melanoma. 

Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that begins when pigment-producing cells mutate and become cancerous. It sometimes begins as a mole but can also occur on normal-looking skin. The first signs are changes in an existing mole and/or development of a new growth on your skin. 

The most common advice is to look for the ABCDE’s. For example, here is information from the Mayo Clinic:

·     A is for asymmetrical shape. Look for moles with irregular shapes, such as two very different-looking halves.

·     B is for irregular border. Look for moles with irregular, notched or scalloped borders — characteristics of melanomas.

·     C is for changes in color. Look for growths that have many colors or an uneven distribution of color.

·     D is for diameter. Look for new growth in a mole larger than 1/4 inch (about 6 millimeters).

·     E is for evolving. Look for changes over time, such as a mole that grows in size or that changes color or shape. Moles may also evolve to develop new signs and symptoms, such as new itchiness or bleeding.

Some facts:

·     Melanoma is increasing in people under 40 (especially women)

·     It is most commonly caused from excessive sun and other UV light exposure 

·     It is most often in skin cells but can also occur in the yes and other body parts

·     Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer because it is most likely to spread

·     There are ways to avoid the risk

According to Medical News Today,people with certain types of skin are more prone to developing melanoma, and the following factors are associated with an increased incidence of skin cancer:

·       high freckle density or tendency to develop freckles after sun exposure

·       high number of moles

·       five or more atypical moles

·       presence of actinic lentigines, small gray-brown spots, also known as liver spots, sun spots, or age spots

·       giant congenital melanocytic nevus, brown skin marks that present at birth, also called birth marks

·       pale skin that does not tan easily and burns, plus light-colored eyes

·       red or light-colored hair

·       high sun exposure, particularly if it produces blistering sunburn, and especially if sun exposure is intermittent rather than regular

·       age, as risk increases with age

·       family or personal history of melanoma

·       having an organ transplant

The most important things we can do are to always wear sunscreen, avoid direct exposure to the sun (especially in the middle of the day), to avoid UV light exposure, and to start paying attention to your skin and any changes. 

Important Information About Sunscreen

Not all sunscreens are created equally. And if you’ve seen the recent news, a recent randomized clinical trial published in JAMAshows that we absorb more of active ingredients found in sunscreen than they originally thought. And recently, many places are banning certain sunscreens because of the damage to coral reefs. If you follow my blog, you know I love two sources to learn about and get cleaner products: 1. EWG and 2. Beatycounter. EWG has a guide to sunscreens you can access here. And Beautycounter just launched a Memorial Day Sale. We are offering a FREE Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Mist AND Lotion ($35 value) with every purchase over $125 US ($150 CAD you will receive a Mist and a Hydrate Body Lotion)! The offer is good today, May 22nd through Tuesday, May 28th at 11:59 pm PST. Quantities are limited, so please don't wait to take advantage of this deal!! SHOP NOW!