Hilton Head Monthly Magazine

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Living along the coast poses certain health hazards unlike other parts of the country — namely skin cancer. Cancer of the skin is the most common of cancers, probably accounting for at least half of all cancers. The first step is to know the risk factors:

ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is thought to be a major risk factor for most melanomas. Sunlight is the main source of UV radiation, which can damage the genes in your skin cells. Many studies have linked the development of melanoma in the trunk, legs, and arms to frequent sunburns (especially in childhood). The fact that these areas are not constantly exposed to UV light may also be important.

MOLES

Moles are not usually present at birth but begin to appear in children and teenagers. Most moles will never cause any problems, but a person who has many moles is more likely to develop melanoma.

A dysplastic nevus, or atypical mole, is a type of mole that particularly increases a person’s risk of melanoma. They can appear in areas that are exposed to the sun as well as those areas that are usually covered, such as the buttocks and scalp.

They are often larger than other moles Moles present at birth are called congenital melanocytic nevi. The lifetime risk of getting melanoma for people with congenital melanocytic nevi has been estimated to be between 0 and 10%, depending on the size of the nevus. People with very large congenital nevi have a greater risk, while the risk is smaller for those with small nevi.

May is Melanoma Month. Check out prevention tips online at www.cancer.org.

Information provided by the American Cancer Society.

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