Prevention

Prevention

Australia and Scotland have reported improved survival rates from melanoma after aggressive detection and prevention programs were started. In addition to encouraging regular self-examination, such programs include eliminating the sales tax on sunscreens, discouraging suntans and midday sports, and planting trees and placing canopies over children's playgrounds.

Self-Examinations for General Population

Anyone with risk factors for this cancer should be vigilant and check the entire body every month or so. Some experts have defined three specific areas for locating melanomas:

• Areas visible to anyone, such as the arms or face. (About 60% of melanomas are found here.)
• Areas usually covered with clothing and visible only to the patients or their partners. (About 34% of melanomas are detected in these areas.)
• Hidden areas usually found by health professionals (scalp, buttock folds, oral cavity.) About 6% are found here, but they also most likely to be more advanced and dangerous. Partners are useful in checking these areas. (A hair dryer to separate hair is useful for examining the scalp.)

Experts suggest drawing a map of the body indicating locations of moles, areas of discoloration, lumps, or other blemishes. Whenever a person conducts a self-examination, the map is checked for new lesions, lumps, or moles and for changes in shape, color, and size.

Professional Examination for High-Risk Individuals

Some experts recommend regular full-body screening by a trained health professional in high-risk individuals. High-risk people include those with personal or family history of melanoma and individuals with atypical nevi (irregular moles that are also larger than normal).

Such people should protect themselves from overexposure to sunlight and have a medical examination of the entire skin surface every 3 to 12 months, with the frequency depending on risk factors. Doctors may take photographs of any moles at each visit and compare them with previous photos for any changes. A self-examination should be performed every two months.