It is important to know the risk factors for melanoma, because there may be things you can do to lower your risk of developing it. A major risk factor for melanoma is high exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, from sunlight or use of indoor tanning. People at highest risk include those with sun sensitivity, for example, individuals who sunburn easily, or people with natural blond or red hair color. Another risk factor is a family history of melanoma or having numerous moles. Most moles will never cause any problems, but someone who has many moles is more likely to develop melanoma. Lastly a person that has a weakened immune system from a certain disease or medical treatment is more likely to develop skin cancer, including melanoma. The most important way to lower your risk of developing melanoma is to protect yourself from exposure to UV rays. You can do this by practicing sun safety when you are outdoors. The American Cancer Society offers this catchphrase to help remember some of the key steps in protection: “Slip! Slop! Slap! And wrap” Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat and wrap on sunglasses. Children need special attention, as the majority of skin damage happens before the age of 24 months. Parents and caregivers should protect children from excess sun exposure by using these same tips. Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 is 97 percent effective in the prevention of skin cancer. Another way to lower risk of melanoma is to avoid the use of tanning beds. Many people believe the UV rays of a tanning bed are harmless. However, this is not true. Melanoma is highly curable if detected in its early stages. To help detect melanoma early, it is important to perform monthly skin self-exams. As you become familiar with your skin, you will
be more alert for an area that appears to be changing. If you see something different, it is important to notify your physician. The ABCDE rule is a helpful guide for features to be on the lookout for during your skin exam. These are: A is for Asymmetry; one half of a mole or birthmark does not match the other half. B is for Border; the edges are irregular, ragged or blurred. C is for Color; the color is not the same all over and may include shades of brown or black or sometimes patches of pink, red, white or blue. D is for Diameter; the spot is larger than 6 mm across, although some melanomas can be smaller than this. E is for Evolving; the mole is changing in size, shape or color. Not all melanomas will have these signs, so it is important to be alert for any new or changing skin growths or spots. Great Plains Health provides a full range of services for prevention, early detection and treatment of melanoma. I would encourage everyone to perform regular skin exams and to promptly notify your primary care physician of any skin changes you notice. Referrals can then be made to our team of specialists here in the North Platte area, including dermatologists, surgeons and oncologists.
Tammy Niemoth, RN BSN OCN Callahan Cancer Center director CoC Cancer Program Administrator
3
2 0 1 9 A N N U A L R E P O R T
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online