MAY 2021 • LONGISLANDPRESS.COM 31
Melanomas can occur when damage from sunburn or tanning due to UV radiation triggers mutations that lead to uncontrolled cellular growth. The orange
ribbon stands for skin cancer awareness. (Getty Images)
SKIN CANCER PREVENTION
MELANOMA RISK FACTORS TO WATCH
Skin protection takes center stage each spring and summer. Though it’s important to protect
skin whenever spending time outdoors, including in winter, many people get the bulk of
their outdoors time when the weather is at its warmest, making sunscreen a must-have
accessory in spring and summer.
Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that can spread rapidly to other organs if it is not treated
at an early stage. The Skin Cancer Foundation notes that between 70 and 80 percent of
melanomas arise on normal-looking skin. When skin is exposed to ultraviolet radiation, that
exposure can contribute to skin damage. Ultimately, melanoma can occur when damage
from sunburn or tanning due to ultraviolet (UV) radiation triggers mutations that lead to
uncontrolled cellular growth.
Because melanoma is inextricably linked to exposure to UV radiation, it’s understandable if
people assume that it’s always preventable. However, the American Cancer Society notes
that there is no way for people to completely prevent melanoma. That’s because some of the
risk factors are beyond individuals’ control. However, other risk factors are within people’s
control, and recognizing those factors can help people lower their risk for melanoma.
PRESS HEALTH
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