2023-08-11 21:42:42
What are we talking about ?
According to the National Cancer Institute (INCa), “melanoma is a disease of skin cells called melanocytes”. These cells are known for their key role in the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for tanning. In total, 80% of cutaneous melanomas develop on healthy skin, and in 20% of cases from a mole.
Melanoma has the capacity to become invasive (when it reaches the dermis) and to form metastases in distant organs (lungs, liver, brain, etc.) or the surrounding lymph nodes.
In terms of frequency, 15,500 new cases of melanoma are detected each year in France, a constantly increasing number. “It is the cancer for which the number of new cases per year (incidence) increases the most: for 30 years, the evolution of the incidence is 4% per year in men and 2.7% in women”, specifies the INCa. As for the number of deaths, it is estimated at 1,600 each year.
How to self-detect?
As stated above, a mole can give rise to melanoma. This is why it is useful to regularly inspect your skin. This is what the #Tâchezdypenser campaign recommends.
To do this, carefully observe your skin from the face to the toes through the back, without forgetting your palms, soles and spaces between the fingers. Ask a loved one to take pictures of your moles. Concretely, adopt the ABCDE rule, advises the French Society of Dermatology:
A for “Asymmetry”: half of the mole does not resemble the other half; B for “Jagged edges”: the edges are poorly defined, jagged, indented, blurred; C for “Inhomogeneous color”: the color varies from one area of the lesion to another;D for “Diameter”: it is often greater than 6 mm;E for “Evolution”: the appearance of the mole has changed, whether its size, shape or color.
Other criteria should alert you and encourage you to make an appointment with the dermatologist. This is the case if a mole, old or new, itches or bleeds. Or if you notice the appearance of a task or any other new element on your skin. These tips are all the more important since the earlier a melanoma is detected, the higher the chances of recovery.
What risk factors?
It is imperative to protect yourself and children from the rays of the summer sun. For that :
We are not all equal when it comes to the risk of melanoma. Apart from exposure to the sun, there are two risk factors against which you cannot act: family history of melanoma as well as your skin type. Like having a high number of moles (more than 50) and/or fair/white skin that never tans or very slowly.
The right steps to protect yourself
It is imperative to protect yourself and children from the rays of the summer sun. To do this: Seek shade; Do not expose yourself between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.; Use a sunscreen adapted to your phototype with the highest protection factor; Renew the application every 2 hours; Do not go to UV cabins.
You can find all of these prevention messages on social networks via #Tâchezdypenser. Finally, a digital brochure on the subject is available on the information site Mon Cancer.com.
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#reflexes #protect #melanoma