Aiden Hoffman, Senior
After a little over a year of masking up and staying inside, Americans continue to work toward opening up. But many vacationers ignore a major threat to their health, which is Melanoma. Make sure to screen yourself for new or changed moles.
Melanoma is a cancerous condition that occurs when the skin's pigment-producing cells turn cancerous. These areas can be removed during surgery or through radiation. In some cases, Melanoma patients need to go through chemotherapy.
20,000 people in the United States suffer from Melanoma annually. The symptoms of Melanoma include new and unusual growths or a change in a mole. These changes can occur anywhere on the body, and it is important to look for changes.
Those at risk of Melanoma are those with fair skin, a history of sunburn, excessive exposure to ultraviolet light, and a family history of Melanoma.
Protecting yourself from Melanoma is simple and easy. The easiest way is to wear sunscreen when out in the sun. Another is wearing protective clothing against sun radiation. Avoiding the sun during the middle of the day from 10 am-4 pm. Avoiding the use of tanning beds or lamps is also important.
Events and companies like the American Cancer Society help fundraise money and care for those affected by Melanoma and other forms of cancer. Its foundations like these that people are able to get the treatment and care they need to continue.
Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, but 95% of Melanoma cases can be treated before they become life-threatening. Melanoma can only be treated if caught fast enough. If not treated, the Melanoma will spread to other parts of the body.
Work Cited:
Mayo Clinic Staff. "Melanoma." Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical
Education and Research, 10 Mar. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/melanoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20374884.
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