May is Melanoma Awareness Month – 31 days dedicated to increasing awareness of the importance of prevention, early detection, and the treatment of skin cancer.

In Canada – melanoma is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among 20 to 35 year olds

It is treatable but can also be deadly.

So, if you love the skin you’re in – it’s important to know how to protect it

With this month dedicated to Melanoma Awareness, Public Health Nurse Stephanie Gravel says early detection is key

She adds – if a spot is itchy, tender or bleeding – see a doctor immediately

Here are some tips for protecting yourself from the sun’s harmful rays:

MORE INFO:
This type of skin cancer forms from melanocytes, which is pigment containing cells in the skin. Melanocytes produce melanin, which is the dark pigment responsible for the colour of our skin. These malignant growths/tumors form when there is DNA damage to skin cells, which is often caused by ultraviolet radiation from the sun or tanning beds).

Melanomas can sometimes resemble moles while others develop from previously existing moles. Black or brown in colour, melanomas can also look skin-coloured, pink, blue or white, purple or red.

If melanoma is recognized and treated early enough, treatment is more likely to be successful and save lives. Treating melanoma involves the surgical removal of the tumor. Once removed, it is difficult to predict if the melanoma will return without knowing how deeply it was immersed into the layers of the skin in the first place. If melanoma returns, treatments involve chemo, radiation therapy, etc

Self Examination
-Strip down to your birthday suit and stand in front of mirror
-Examine the skin you’re in and get to know what is “normal” so you can spot something new/unfamiliar down the road
-If anything seems odd – take it seriously and book an appointment with dermatologist
-Make this a monthly habit

Talk/Ask Questions
-Don’t be embarrassed or afraid to talk to someone about your mole. Whether it’s a doctor, your friend or spouse. They are the people who can help track moles in places that are difficult for you to see yourself.