Melanoma risk may increase with age

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

A new study shows that increasing age and a history of sunburn are risk factors for melanoma.
Although melanoma is responsible for only four per cent of skin cancers, it causes the majority of deaths from the disease. Researchers at Baylor Regional Medical Center warn that melanoma gets more common with age and that severe sunburn can cause melanoma later on.

Men seem to be more at risk and the Baylor experts wonder if this is because they are less likely to do regular skin exams or visit a dermatologist if any suspicious lesions occur. In fact, we should all examine our skin, from head to toe, every month. In men, melanoma is most likely to occur between the shoulders and hips or on the head and neck. Among women, it is more likely on the lower legs. It can also appear on the fingernails, toenails, and on the palms or soles.

Prevention of melanoma and other skin cancers involves wearing sun protection and keeping out of the sun during peak hours. And tanning beds are not a safe option because any exposure to UV - on or off the beach - raises the risk of skin cancer.

Source
Baylor Health Care System 4th May 2006