Encourage Malignant Melanoma Awareness in May

May 12, 2017 by Suzanne M. Mahon DNS, RN, AOCN®, AGN-BC, FAAN

As Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month (https://healthfinder.gov/NHO/MayToolkit2.aspx), May is the perfect time to encourage people to examine their skin and seek medical assistance if they recognize signs of a melanoma. Early detection and prompt treatment is associated with a much higher survival rate for skin cancer diagnoses (http://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/0715/p357.html).

Melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer in which cells within cutaneous moles become malignant, can spread rapidly to other areas of the body if left untreated. Melanomas also develop—although less commonly—in other areas of the body such as the eye, underneath the nails, and inside the nose and mouth.

Melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer in which cells within cutaneous moles become malignant, can spread rapidly to other areas of the body if left untreated. Melanomas also develop—although less commonly—in other areas of the body such as the eye, underneath the nails, and inside the nose and mouth.

Everyone is at risk for malignant melanoma. However, some behaviors and traits may lead to an elevated risk for melanoma.

Spreading Awareness for Melanoma Warning Signs

To help make the melanoma warning signs memorable, identifying a potentially malignant mole can be abbreviated to the mnemonic device: ABCDE (https://www.aad.org/public/spot-skin-cancer/learn-about-skin-cancer/detect/what-to-look-for). Encourage your patients to know what to look for and seek medical attention if the following are true:

Melanoma treatments are generally more successful when they’re detected early.  According to the American Cancer Society (https://www.cancer.org/cancer/melanoma-skin-cancer/about/key-statistics.html), the five-year relative survival rate for localized melanoma is 98%. Unfortunately, advanced melanoma doesn’t typically respond nearly as well to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or medication. While new immunotherapies are showing more and more promise for advanced melanoma (https://www.cancer.org/cancer/melanoma-skin-cancer/treating/immunotherapy.html) cases, early detection is still the best way to ensure higher survival rates for patients.  

The theme of the 2017 American Academy of Dermatology campaign, which includes public service videos, is “Check Your Partner – Check Yourself. (https://abancommercials.com/vid/17001/det/american-academy-of-dermatology-check-him-out-commercial)” The campaign encourages women to check both their partners and themselves for signs of skin cancer.

Many dermatologists offer free melanoma screening throughout the month of May.  A searchable list of free SPOTme® Skin Cancer Screening (https://www.aad.org/public/spot-skin-cancer/programs/screenings/find-a-screening) is available. More information is available at American Academy of Dermatology (https://www.aad.org/public/spot-skin-cancer/programs/skin-cancer-awareness-month).


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