Melanoma Awareness Month

May is Melanoma Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the deadliest form of skin cancer, and the importance of prevention and early detection.

More than 100,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma in the U.S. each year. Melanoma is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women ages 25 to 30. When caught early, however, melanoma is highly treatable, making prevention and early detection incredibly important.

At Pittsburgh Skin, our team is here to help with education, prevention, screenings, and advanced treatment options for skin cancer, including Mohs surgery.

PREVENTION

Prevention is paramount to reduce your risk of developing melanoma. Use of daily sunscreens (not just in the summer sun!) can dramatically reduce your risk. When you’re active outdoors, seek shade whenever possible, and  aim to reapply an SPF 35+ product at least even 2 hours. Use a shot glass worth of product when applying both lotion and spray sunscreens, rubbing both in until transparent on the skin. Allow time to dry before entering any body of water to ensure adequate absorption.

Also avoid the use of tanning beds to help reduce UV damage. Using a tanning bed is associated with a nearly threefold increase in your risk of developing melanoma. Spray tans are a great, safe alternative if you’re looking to add some color this summer. Remember that there’s no such thing as a “safe tan”, nor a “base tan”, when it comes to preventing melanoma.

EARLY DETECTION

Early detection is equally as important, as the sooner melanoma is caught, the higher your changes of successful treatment become. Getting familiar with your own skin is a great place to start! Watch for new or changing spots and follow the “ABCDEs” of skin growths to monitor changes over time. We also recommend an annual full-body skin exam with our dermatology team so that we can accurately track and properly diagnose any worrisome changes/spots. Early action save lives!

SKIN CANCER SURGERY

Should you or someone you love develop melanoma, know you’re not alone – our team is here every step of the way. Our office specializes in dermatologic surgery and also offers Mohs micrographic surgery when appropriate. Our providers are trained in skin cancer surgery. Most early skin cancers can be treated in the outpatient office under local anesthesia.

REMEMBER…

As Melanoma Awareness Month concludes, take a moment to intentionally check your skin, taking special note of any changes to skin growths. Haven’t had a professional skin exam in a while? We recommend getting one yearly, and now is the perfect time to call and schedule your visit! And lastly, remember that no tan is a “safe tan.” Daily use of your preferred SPF decreases your risk of developing melanoma.