Melanoma Rates Doubled in the Past 30 Years

MILLBURN, N.J. (June 24, 2015) – Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, doubled over the last three decades, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Rates climbed from 11.2 cases per 100,000 people in 1982 to 22.7 cases per 100,000 in 2011. Although melanoma can be extremely deadly, claiming more than 9,000 lives in the United States each year, melanoma is also highly preventable with some lifestyle changes and by enrolling in MoleSafe’s early detection screening program.

Despite the declining rates of several types of cancers, the number of people diagnosed with melanoma continues to grow each year. And these rates will continue to rise unless people minimize their exposure to ultraviolet radiation and enroll in an early detection screening program that examines their skin and monitors for suspicious changes over time.

More than 90 percent of melanomas are attributed to skin-cell damage from ultraviolet radiation exposure, and most of that exposure comes from the sun. The risk of developing skin cancer equates to your personal behavior and habits. Decisions that you make today, or made years ago, may have a serious effect on you later in life. To put up your best defense, it is vital to:

· Educate yourself on your personal risk of developing melanoma. Evaluate your personal health history, your family’s history, your tanning behaviors, the color of your skin, hair and eyes, and the number of moles on your body.

· Develop healthy sun-related habits. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, or seek shade when possible. The sun’s strongest hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wear a broad-spectrum and water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 on both sunny and cloudy days. Wear a hat and coat your lips with lip balm that has an SPF.

· Adopt a healthy lifestyle. If you smoke, now is the time to quit. Though most commonly associated with lung cancer and heart disease, people who smoke are also more likely to develop squamous cell skin cancer, particularly on the lips. It is also important to create a healthy diet. Some research shows that eating plant-based foods such as fruits and vegetables, olive oil, fish and fresh herbs can cut your melanoma risk.

· Be proactive and take the lead in your health. Perform monthly self-skin exams. Take a look at your current moles and note any changes in the size, shape or color. Also, scan your body for new moles and lesions. But your eyes will not detect melanoma at its earliest, most treatable stages. Enroll in a melanoma screening program.

Effective community skin cancer programs could prevent an estimated 230,000 melanoma skin cancers by 2030, according to the CDC. MoleSafe, which offers the world’s most advanced skin cancer screenings, has an office conveniently located in Millburn, NJ, at 60 Essex Street. By enrolling in MoleSafe’s early detection screening program, you are getting access to the most advanced technology and experts that identify suspicious moles at the earliest possible stages and reduce the unnecessary removal of benign lesions.

MoleSafe’s proprietary program combines advanced melanoma screening, detailed diagnostic reports and annual follow-up, which makes its process of early detection superior to any others. Patients who enroll in MoleSafe’s program will receive peace of mind knowing that their skin is healthy, because MoleSafe’s world-wide experts are among the most established and trusted physicians in the field.

The only way to effectively manage melanoma is prevention and early detection. For more information on MoleSafe, or to schedule your appointment today, please visit www.molesafe.com/Millburn or call 1-877-326-6518. If you live, work or own a business in Millburn, mention the “Millburn Appreciation Program” when booking, and you will receive 20 percent off your first visit.