Dear S&B: I have this mole on my back. How do I know if it is cancer?
Well you could poke it with a spatula ... okay that wouldn't do much.
There are three major types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Melanoma is dark, caused by melanocytes -- the cells that give us our color.
There are some basic principles in looking at moles. Welcome to the ABCs of melanoma watching. If you have any one of the below traits, show it to your doctor:
Asymmetry -- If you cut it in half, would each half be different?
Border -- Is it smooth all the way around, or jagged?
Color -- Is it a mole of many colors?
Diameter -- Is it bigger than a pencil eraser (6mm)?
Enlargement -- Is it getting bigger?
Moral of the story: Any asymmetrical, jagged, multicolored, enlarging, bigger-than-a-pencil-eraser moles should be looked at by a dermatologist.
In 2001 it was estimated that one out of 71 people would be affected by melanoma in their lifetimes. In fact melanoma ranks as the fifth cause of cancer in men (sixth in women). This incidence has been increasing, but the survival rate also is growing.
What puts you at risk for skin cancer? Well, for starters, your skin. Persons with less pigment have a greater incidence of melanoma. This includes those with pale skin, blond or red hair, and blue or green eyes. Caucasians with lighter coloring have four times the melanoma risk as olive colored Caucasians. (This explains the insanely high incidence of skin cancer in Australia. When you take a bunch of melanin-lackers and transplant them close to the equator, it is a recipe for skin cancer.)
The sun could be the greatest culprit. Heavy sun exposure before 18 means a higher risk of melanoma. Your melanoma risk can double if you have had five-plus sunburns. UV radiation can increase your risk as well.
Family history is important too. Some inherited conditions predispose people to skin cancer. If you have a parent or close relative with skin cancer, you have a higher risk in general. Also those of us with freckles or moles have an increased risk. Such blemishes don't lead to cancer, but they signify an intrinsic risk.
Prevention is essential.Wear sunscreen, SPF 15 or greater. Some even recommend wearing it every day. Apply 15 minutes before exposure and reapply every two hours if you're outdoors, while minimizing your sun exposure. (Sunrays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.)
Check yourself monthly for moles or other pigmented lesions. Check your back and other non-reachable spots with a mirror. Be aware of your body. Finally, go into see your physician if something is suspicious.
Lisa Hermann is a Cavalier Daily Health & Sexuality columnist. She can be reached at lisa@cavalierdaily.com or through the Sex & Balances submission page at cavalierdaily.com/sex.asp. This column is used for educational purposes only and is not meant to substitute advice from your doctor.
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