As May’s warm breezes and blooming landscapes arrive, it isn’t just a signal for the onset of Summer—it’s also Melanoma Awareness Month. This month serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of skin health and the need for education on a condition that impacts countless individuals worldwide.
The Statistics Behind Melanoma
Melanoma is one of the most severe types of skin cancer, originating in the cells that produce melanin—the pigment which gives our skin its color. According to recent data:
- Each year, there are over 100,000 new cases of melanoma diagnosed in the United States.
- Melanoma accounts for a vast majority of skin cancer deaths.
- More than 2 people die of skin cancer in the United States every hour.
- 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70.
- Having 5 or more sunburns doubles the risk of melanoma.
- The five-year survival rate for early-stage melanoma is around 98%. It drops to 64% if the disease reaches the lymph nodes, and plummets to 23% when it metastasizes to distant organs.
These statistics underscore the criticality of awareness, early detection, and preventive measures in the fight against melanoma.
Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreens – A Comparative Glance
Sunscreen plays a pivotal role in protecting our skin from harmful UV rays, but not all sunscreens are created equal. Here’s a look at mineral versus chemical sunscreens:
Mineral (Physical) Sunscreens
Pros:
- Provide protection by reflecting sunlight away from the skin.
- Effective immediately upon application.
- Less likely to irritate sensitive skin or cause allergic reactions.
- More stable in sunlight and typically offer broader protection against UVA and UVB rays.
Cons:
- Can be thicker, making them more challenging to spread evenly on the skin.
- Often leave a white cast, especially noticeable on darker skin tones.
- May rub off easily and require more frequent reapplication with physical activity or water exposure.
Chemical Sunscreens
Pros:
- Tend to be lighter and more wearable for daily use.
- No white residue, blending seamlessly into the skin.
- Easier application due to their thinner consistency.
Cons:
- Require about 20 minutes after application before they become effective.
- Higher potential to irritate or cause reactions in sensitive skin.
- Some ingredients might degrade faster in the sun, necessitating reapplication.
- Can contain toxic ingredients harmful to human and environmental health.
- Many ingredients for chemical sunscreen have been found to be harmful to coral and marine life.
Regardless of your choice, using sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and broad-spectrum coverage is essential for effective protection. Ask your functional medicine office for a an individualized sunscreen recommendation.
The ABCDEs of Melanoma Detection
Early detection of melanoma can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment, and this is where the ABCDE rule comes in handy:
- A for Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other.
- B for Border: Irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined edges.
- C for Color: Varied shades of tan, brown, black, and sometimes white, red, or blue.
- D for Diameter: Melanomas are usually larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser), but they can be smaller when first detected.
- E for Evolving: Look for changes in size, shape, color, elevation, or another trait, including new symptoms such as bleeding, itching, or crusting.
It’s critical to conduct regular skin checks for any signs of the ABCDEs and consult your dermatologist or licensed medical provider promptly if you notice any suspicious changes.
Conclusion
May is our annual reminder that while basking in the sun can bring joy, protection from its harmful rays is vital. By understanding melanoma statistics, choosing the right sunscreen for our skin type, and regularly practicing the ABCDEs of melanoma detection, we’re taking proactive steps toward prevention and early diagnosis, offering us the best chance to enjoy the sunshine safely.
Our licensed naturopathic doctor and experienced functional medicine practitioner offers comprehensive functional medicine consultations in Meridian / Boise, Idaho. Free discovery calls are available!
