What is Melanoma and How Can You Protect Against It?
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that, although less common than other forms, represents a significant health threat, especially to young people. Understanding what melanoma entails, its risk factors, early detection signs, and preventive measures are crucial in tackling its prevalence.
The Rise of Melanoma Among Young Adults
Cancer diagnosis rates have been alarmingly increasing in the UK, particularly among individuals under 50. Every day, nearly 100 seemingly healthy young adults in Britain learn they have cancer, with melanoma being one of the primary contributors. It stands as the second most common cancer among those aged 25 to 49. From 2017 to 2019, 3,282 young people in this age group were diagnosed with melanoma.
Despite being the least common type of skin cancer compared to basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma is the most deadly. This is largely because it has the potential to spread to other parts of the body, making early detection and prevention critical.
Understanding Childhood Sunburn's Impact
A profound correlation exists between childhood sunburn and the increased risk of developing melanoma later in life. Experiencing just one blistering sunburn during childhood or adolescence can nearly double the lifetime risk of this cancer. This makes proper sun protection from a young age essential.
Prof Paul Nathan, an oncologist at the Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, laments the widespread neglect of sun safety among the youth, particularly as they bask in the summer sun, often leading to harmful sunburns. Cultural shifts are necessary to normalize protective measures like wearing sun-protective clothing, hats, and using appropriate sun cream.
Signs and Symptoms: What to Look Out For
Regular self-examinations are vital for the early detection of melanoma. One effective technique is to look for the "Ugly Duckling" mole, which stands out due to its different appearance—be it lighter, darker, larger, smaller, or isolated. Moreover, adhering to the ABCDEs can also facilitate early detection:
- Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn't match the other.
- Border: Melanomas often have uneven or poorly defined edges.
- Colour: Benign moles typically have one hue; a variety of colors can flag concern.
- Diameter: Any lesion larger than 6mm should be evaluated.
- Evolving: Changes in size, shape, colour, or elevation, as well as symptoms like itching or bleeding, require medical attention.
Prof Tim Spector from King's College London highlights the importance of checking for more than 10 moles exceeding 3mm on a single arm, which may necessitate screening. While children and people of colour might not need frequent screenings, any atypical skin changes should prompt a visit to the dermatologist.
The Genetic and Environmental Factors
While sun exposure is a primary risk factor for melanoma, genetics also play a critical role. Individuals with a family history of melanoma, fair skin, freckles, or a large number of moles are at heightened risk. Dr Amaya Viros from Cancer Research UK notes the unpredictability of one's sun tolerance, citing personal variations based on genetic make-up.
Dr Kurt Ayerst of ScreenCancer UK elaborates on the dangers of sun exposure, emphasizing that a tanned appearance indicates damage. The accelerated cellular response needed to produce pigment increases opportunities for mistakes, which can pave the way for melanoma development.
Sun Protection: Balancing Consequences and Benefits
While minimizing sun exposure and using high-protection sunscreen are generally recommended, overdoing these precautions can have downsides. A significant portion of the UK population, including children, already suffers from low vitamin D levels, which excessive sun avoidance can exacerbate. Year-round sunscreen use might even lead to certain skin issues, such as acne or dermatitis, and contribute to allergies.
Interestingly, lower vitamin D levels in individuals with melanoma are linked to poorer prognoses. Despite these nuances, Dr David Robert Grimes disputes the belief that sunscreen hampers vitamin D synthesis. Yet, recent research findings on vitamin D provide no clear-cut evidence connecting supplements to reduced mortality.
Debunking Myths Around Melanoma
A range of misconceptions surrounds melanoma, which can lead to improper protection methods:
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Myth: Melanomas are purely black and distinctly uneven.
- Fact: They can be any uneven shade and are sometimes round and smooth.
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Myth: Sunbathing is safe with mole protection.
- Fact: Most melanomas arise from normal skin; moreover, other skin cancers largely result from sun exposure but are often treatable.
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Myth: You’re applying adequate sun cream.
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Fact: A proper application requires a generous handful for the body each time.
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Myth: Sunbeds are safe.
- Fact: Sunbeds contribute significantly to skin cancer, with 100 annual deaths in the UK linked to sunbed use.
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Myth: Moisturizers with SPF suffice as protection.
- Fact: A dedicated sun protection cream is essential.
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Myth: SPF claims are wholly reliable.
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Fact: It’s best to stick with SPF of 30 or higher as products may overstate their effectiveness.
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Myth: Water-resistant sunscreen is suitable for swimming.
- Fact: Additional measures like wearing a rash vest are advisable when swimming.
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Myth: Post-sunburn measures can reduce future melanoma risk.
- Fact: Prevention measures can only prevent subsequent burns, not erase existing risks.
Melanoma poses a significant threat, particularly to younger demographics, due to factors including childhood sunburn and genetic predispositions. By understanding its signs and the importance of sun protection, alongside protective measures against common misunderstandings, people can greatly reduce their risk of developing melanoma and ensure healthier outcomes.
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