Melanoma is the most deadly of all the skin cancers. It is almost universally accepted that overexposure to the sun, especially sunburns and blistering, is the primary cause. Limiting exposure to the sun is the best prevention of melanoma. Heredity, radiation, and exposure to other sources of UV rays including sun lamps and tanning beds are also thought to play a small part. Though most common in fair-skinned people, anyone can get skin cancer.

Symptoms may include:

• Any new or changed mole, growth, lesion, or sore
• Changes in color or multi-colored areas. Just about any color is possible
• Change in size or very large moles (anything larger than a pencil eraser)
• Irregular borders or surfaces; edges that are jagged, blurry, or notched
• Asymmetry two halves that do not match
• Any bleeding, drainage, or scales; any sores that seem to heal very slowly
• Change in sensation at or near a blemish: itchiness, pain, tingling
 

WHAT YOUR DOCTOR CAN DO:

• Finish the full prescription of antibiotics, even if you start to feel better. This assures complete treatment of the infection.
• Apply an ice pack (ice in a plastic bag, covered with a thin towel) on the engorged breast 3 to 6 times a day for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Do not use ice packs within 1 hour of nursing. Use warm compresses instead.
• Wear an uplift bra during treatment.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

Prevent melanoma and other skin cancers by limiting exposure to the sun:
• Avoid exposure to the sun during peak times of day (10AM to 4PM)
• Use a waterproof sunscreen with a SPF (sun protective factor) of at least 15. Apply 30 minutes before exposure and at least every 2 hours. Use an opaque barrier cream (e.g., zinc oxide) for extra protection on the nose, ears, and shoulders
• Wear loose-fitting, tightly woven clothing, a broad-brimmed hat, and sunglasses

Remember that:

• UV rays can bounce back from sand, snow, or concrete
• You can get sunburn on a cloudy day
• Sunburn is more likely at high altitudes and further south (closer to the equator)
• Early detection is the key to a cure

Perform routine self-exams of your skin:

• You will need a full-length mirror, a hand-held mirror, and a well-lit, private space
• Examine your entire body, front and back, left and right sides
• Make notes or a diagram and describe all growths, moles, and lesions
• Look for any of the changes listed above 

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT:

• With early diagnosis and treatment, melanoma can be cured.
• However, melanoma cells can grow deep into the layers of the skin then spread to other parts of the body. If not caught and treated early, it can be fatal.

CALL 1061 OR SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE If you have any of these changes or any change or blemish that you are not sure about.