Frequent skin inspections can help detect melanoma early
Last January, Sandra Fricke, 59, noticed a spot on her arm. She made an appointment to see her dermatologist.
“The small area above my wrist had changed from a dry white spot to a clear bubble,” the Half Moon Bay resident said.
Although this wasn’t a typical symptom, a biopsy later revealed the presence of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.
This year, roughly 53,000 Americans will be told they have melanoma, a number that has been steadily rising since the early 1970’s, according to surgical oncologist Martin Goodman, M.D.
“In fact, older adults are at even greater risk for skin cancer because they have a longer lifetime sun exposure without sun protection,” he said.
Risk factors for melanoma include fair skin, red or blond hair and having a first-degree relative (parent or sibling) who has had the disease.
The good news is doctors are catching cancerous lesions sooner, when they are relatively thin and less likely to have invaded deeper tissues, Dr. Goodman reports.
Fortunately, this was the case for Fricke. She was referred to Dr. Goodman for surgical removal of the melanoma. He found that no cancer had spread into her lymph nodes.
Dr. Goodman suggests taking the following steps:
“Melanoma is relatively rare, but the sooner we diagnose it, the better the chance for complete recovery,” he said.
Today, Fricke is diligent about using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing.
Dr. Goodman will share the latest on melanoma prevention, diagnosis and treatments during a Wellness Center lecture Oct. 14 (Tues), 11 a.m. – noon, Mills Health Center. Admission is $2.
A free skin cancer screening by dermatologists will be held Nov. 1 (Sat), 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., at the Dorothy E. Schneider Cancer Center.
Call 696-5600 to register for these events or for more information.
