11 / 16
citizensmemorial.com
11
MELANOMA
SPOT THE PROBLEM
There’s a form of cancer you can spot with your own two eyes: melanoma.
When diagnosed and treated early, melanoma, a skin cancer, can almost
always be cured. Untreated, it can spread and become deadly. Knowing
what to look for may help save a life.
What is melanoma?
This cancer develops when certain
skin cells, called melanocytes,
begin to grow uncontrollably and
form a tumor. (Melanocytes are
the cells that make melanin, the
pigment that gives skin color.)
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV)
rays from the sun or from tanning
beds is a major risk factor for the
disease. Genetics also plays a role.
Unfortunately, even as rates of
other types of cancer are dropping,
melanoma rates in the U.S. are
on the rise, reports the American
Academy of Dermatology (AAD).
What to watch for
According to the AAD, there would
be fewer deaths from melanoma
if people regularly took time to
examine their skin.
That means checking for moles
on every part of your body—from
your scalp to the bottoms of
your feet and even under your
fingernails. Notice the shape, size
and color of your moles.
Especially look for new moles or
those that are growing or changing
over time or that look different
from the rest.
If you see any moles that
concern you, or if you have a mole
that itches, hurts or bleeds, make
an appointment to talk with your
family medicine provider.
3
Monitor the scale.
Your incentive:
A healthy weight
may protect you from a long list of
cancers. Among them: colon, kidney,
pancreatic, endometrial and breast
cancer after menopause.
Here’s how:
To reduce cancer risk,
most people need to keep their body
mass index (BMI) below 25. Ask your
doctor if that applies to you.
If you need to drop pounds, a few
simple habits may help you trim down.
Don’t skip meals—a missed one can
set you up for overeating. Use small
plates to make modest portions look
generous. Eat slowly, setting down
your fork between bites. It takes about
20 minutes for your stomach to signal
to your brain that you’re full.
Keep high-calorie foods in an
inconvenient spot so the hassle of
getting them curbs cravings. Better yet,
leave them in the grocery store and keep
your home stocked with healthy foods.
Also important: Ask friends and
family to encourage your weight-loss
efforts. Their encouragement can help
you stay on track.
Sources: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; American
Cancer Society; American Institute for Cancer Research
For information on how to
perform a skin self-exam,
go to
www.morehealth
.org/melanoma
.
COMMUNITY
TAGLINE HERE
CANCER PREVENTION
Want more tips?
Check out our online
health library at
www.morehealth
.org/weight-loss
.
Click on “Wellness
Tools” for a list of
useful tools to help
you reach your goals.