10 Melanoma Myths
Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
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How much do you really know about melanoma?Melanoma, a cancer of the skin, is often misunderstood. Despite it being the number one form of cancer in young adults, there are some common myths about its seriousness, and how the disease is detected and treated. To debunk some of these misconceptions, here are 10 truths behind the myths. -
Myth #1: I don't have to worry about melanoma—it's rare.Actually, approximately 70,000 new cases of invasive melanoma are diagnosed in the United States each year. It's one of the most frequently occurring cancers in young adults ages 20 to 30, and it's the main cause of cancer death in women 25 to 30 years old.
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Myth #2: It's "just" skin cancer; I'll be OK.Many people believe cancer of the skin can easily be removed or cut out. But melanoma is actually the most deadly type of skin cancer and is especially serious once it spreads to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body.
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Myth #3: Melanoma can only show up on my skin.Because the eyes contain melanocytes (cells that give skin its pigment or color), they can also be at risk for melanoma (called ocular melanoma). There are two types of ocular melanoma: uveal and conjunctival. Uveal melanoma is the most common eye cancer in adults and accounts for about 5% of melanoma cases.
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Myth #4: If I avoid the sun, I won't get skin cancer.While sun exposure is the primary cause of skin cancer, it's not the only one. Ultraviolet radiation (UV) exposure from tanning beds and occupational equipment, and a family history are other causes. And people with fair skin and freckles, and multiple or unusual moles, also have a higher risk.
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Myth #5: I don't need to worry about all the little spots on my skin.People often associate melanoma with large, irregular spots on the skin. But melanoma often occurs in fair-skinned people who have moles and burn and freckle easily. If you develop moles or notice changes in your skin, see a dermatologist to have the spots checked out.
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Myth #6: All I need is SPF 50 to keep me protected.The SPF number is actually not as important as the amount of sunscreen, and how well and how often you put it on your body. SPF 30 absorbs 97% of the sun's burning UV rays, while SPF 50 absorbs just slightly more–98%. And SPF 100 just slightly more at 99%. So choose a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Also, avoid sun exposure as much as possible during the middle of the day between the hours of 10 am and 3 pm, when UV rays are at their strongest. Be sure to reapply frequently, especially if you've been swimming.
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Myth #7: A "base tan" will keep me from burning.A tan may be the skin's way of repairing and preventing further sun damage, but it does not protect the skin. It is actually a sign of damage and can cause gene defects that can lead to skin cancer.
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Myth #8: People with dark skin don't get skin cancer.People of all skin colors, including African Americans, Hispanics and Asians, can develop skin cancer. While melanoma is more common in lighter-skinned people, the death rates are higher in darker-skinned people. Some experts believe this is because darker-skinned people may not think they are at risk, so they don't seek early treatment.
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Myth #9: A tanning bed is a safer way to get a tan.Using a tanning bed is just as risky, if not more, than tanning in the sun. Tanning beds emit UVA and UVB radiation, which increase your risk of melanoma. In fact, people who tan often using new high-pressure sunlamps may receive as much as 12 times the annual UVA dose they receive from sun exposure. If you must use a tanning bed, make sure you understand the risks.
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Myth #10: My doctor checked me out, and I'm all clear.Doctors are human, and although they are trained to look for melanomas by their asymmetry, border, color and diameter, they are easy to misdiagnose. If you feel that something is not right, or have questions about a new spot or changes in your skin, trust your instincts. And always get a second opinion.
10 Melanoma Myths
