Here’s what to know.
As our largest organ and shield from the elements,skinis continually exposed to the suns ultraviolet rays.
But with melanoma, its not always that simple.
Melanoma is typically brought on by the kind of intense, intermittent sun exposure that leads to sunburns.
(Tanning beds are also highly associated with a higher skin cancer risk.)
Unfortunately, cases of melanoma are increasingand fast.
vice chair and chief of cutaneous and aesthetic surgery at Northwestern Medicine
Since 2012, the number of new invasive melanoma cases diagnosed annually hasincreased by 31 percent.
Still, melanoma can an affect anyone regardless of skin color.
Melanoma is highly curable as long as its caught in the beginning stages.
It takes longer to recognize melanoma in those areas because they are often overlooked or difficult to monitor.
Sometimes melanoma doesnt have pigment, so you dont biopsy it, says Dr. Alam.
Without early detection, the melanoma can spread.
As the melanoma goes deeper into the skin, it becomes more dangerous.
An annual visit can be as fast as a few minutes.
At home, do a skin self-exam once a month.
vice chair and chief of cutaneous and aesthetic surgery at Northwestern Medicine
Stand in front of a full-length mirror with a handheld mirror and look at your body.
Check any moles, blemishes, or birthmarks from head to toe.
Youre lookingeverywhereunder your breasts, between your toes, behind your ears.
If you notice changes, call your dermatologist.
When you look at your skin regularly, youll know whats normal for you, adds Dr. Gharavi.
(His tip: Photograph your moles to document your baseline.
Its a worthwhile habit to outsmart the sun and help keep cancer away.
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