Melanoma

National Melanoma Skin Cancer Prevention Month aims to raise awareness about skin cancer, increasing the chances of early detection so treatments can be given early. It’s vital that skin cancers such as melanoma, an often deadly form of skin cancer, is treated early. Skin cancer is more common in people with lightly pigmented skin; white people are more at risk. Those with fair or blonde hair, blue or green eyes, and those who burn easily are also more likely to develop skin cancer. Melanoma is often caused by exposure to high levels of sunlight. A mole can become malignant (cancerous) often years after the skin has been burnt (often after sun bathing or using sun beds). One or more blistering sunburns during childhood or teenage years can cause skin cancer many years later. While previous exposure to the sun and sun beds are established risk factors, melanoma and other skin cancers can still arise without overexposure to sun and light. Melanomas can occur anywhere on the body, not only in areas that get a lot of sun. The first sign of melanoma is usually a freckle or mole that has changed in size, shape or color. Moles should not change in any way after the age of 30 nor should you be developing new moles.  Also moles should not become symptomatic with itching, bleeding or becoming painful. If you are experiencing any changes either in appearance or symptoms make an appointment with a Dermatologist for evaluation.