How To Prevent Melanoma
October 8, 2009
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. This is a rare kind of disease, which is also the most serious form of skin cancer. In skin cancer, the skin cells lose their natural ability to grow and multiply.
The abnormal skin cells form tumors. The malignant cells destroy the neighboring healthy cells, spreading cancer tumors.
Melanoma begins from the melanin producing melanocytes cells of the skin. These cells are present in the lower portion of the epidermis, which forms the outermost layer of the skin. Melanoma spreads beyond the melanocytes to other parts of the skin and to the internal organs of the body.
Melanoma symptoms
The common symptoms of melanoma include changes in the shape, size and color of moles or other skin marks. Although, melanoma might start from a preexisting mole or birthmark, usually it occurs as new moles, freckles or other skin marks. Unlike ordinary moles, melanoma has irregular edges and uneven shapes.
The marks are at least 6mm in diameter. They change color. Melanomas might have more than one color. They might have different shades of black and brown areas. You might also find white, blue and red marks in the melanomas. Fluids or blood might ooze out of the melanomas.
Melanoma causes
Exposure to sunlight for prolonged period could cause melanoma. The ultraviolet rays of the sun could damage the genetic material of the skin cells. These abnormal cells start to multiply uncontrollably, causing melanoma.
People with a family history of melanoma might suffer from this disease. Certain medications that suppress the body’s immunity could trigger this disease. Melanoma usually affects people over 50 years of age. However, people below 35 can also get this disease.
Melanoma prevention
By controlling the risk factors, you can easily prevent melanoma. Steps to prevent melanoma should begin from childhood. According to studies, nearly 80 percent of ultraviolet ray exposure occurs during childhood, up to the age of 18. By limiting exposure to sunlight since childhood, melanoma might be prevented.
To prevent melanoma, you should avoid the midday sunlight, between 10am and 4pm. Both direct as well as sunlight reflected from water, snow, sand or a shinning surface could be harmful for the skin. When you are outdoors, during the day, apply a sunscreen with at least 15 SPF.
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