Melanoma Monday

What is Melanoma Monday?

Melanoma Monday is the first Monday in May and has been designated to raise awareness of melanoma and other types of skin cancer and to encourage early detection through self-exams.

It's crucial to develop good sun habits as one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Do you know the ABCDE Melanoma Rule? It's a guide to help you know what to look for in moles on yourself and loved ones.

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), about 500 children are diagnosed with pediatric melanoma each year. This accounts for about 2% of childhood cancers.

A recent study* noted that childhood cancer survivors who had lived five or more years from their primary malignancy are at an increased risk of developing skin cancer compared with the general population.

The best line of defense for everyone recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology, especially for childhood cancer survivors:

  • Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

  • Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, when possible.

  • Generously apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all exposed skin. Reapply approximately every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.

  • Use extra caution near water, snow and sand, as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of skin cancer.

  • Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that may include vitamin supplements. Don’t seek the sun.

  • Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer and premature skin aging.

Examine carefully any moles or other spots on your child's skin. Pay particular attention to the area that received radiation if you are a childhood cancer survivor. Be sure to tell your doctor if you find any abnormal bump, mole, or spot.

 

*Source: OncLive.com, Childhood Cancer Survivors at Increased Risk for Skin Cancers, Mar 26, 2019, Caroline Seymour. Study referenced Teepen JC, Kok JL, Kremer LC, et al. Long-term risk of skin cancer among childhood cancer survivors: a DCOG-LATER cohort study [published online February 25, 2019]. J Natl Cancer Inst. doi: 10.1093/jnci/djy212.