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Skin Cancer Screenings Important for Middle-aged and Older Men NEW YORK, NY -- April 25, 2001 -- According to a recent study, middle-aged and older men are not detecting melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, in its early stages when it is most curable. This group is the least likely to perform monthly skin self-examinations or visit a dermatologist regularly, thereby increasing the odds that an undetected melanoma will have spread and require more radical treatment. The study, which is a review of the American Academy of Dermatology's (AAD's) National Skin Cancer Screening Program, signifies the important role skin cancer screenings play in the detection and prevention of melanoma. Speaking today at the Academy's Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month Press Conference, dermatologist Barbara A. Gilchrest, MD, Professor and Chairman, Department of Dermatology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, presented the results of the study and emphasized the importance of skin cancer screenings and skin self-examinations. Melanoma is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing cells. The disease may suddenly appear without warning, but can also develop from or near a mole. Melanomas are found most frequently on the upper backs of men and women or on the calves of women, but can occur anywhere on the body. In 2001, an estimated 51,400 new cases of melanoma are expected in the U.S. (1). This year, 7,800 people will die from melanoma: 5,000 men and 2,800 women (2). However, the disease is highly treatable, especially if it is caught early and while it is still localized. When detected early, surgical removal can cure the disease in almost all cases. According to the study, more than 44 percent of the individuals diagnosed with melanoma were men over the age of 50. However, this group comprised only 25 percent of those screened. Melanoma was more than three times as common among middle-aged and older men than among all of those screened. "It's startling for such a small population to have so many confirmed cases of melanoma," said Dr. Gilchrest. "Melanoma is the sixth most common cancer in men, and there is a disproportionately high mortality rate from melanoma in men above the age of 50. It's important that middle-aged and older men receive skin cancer education to help them detect melanoma in its early stage when it is the most curable." Risk factors for developing melanoma include numerous and/or changing moles on the body, a personal and/or family history of melanoma, fair hair and skin (referred to as skin type I/II), and excessive sun exposure during childhood. Men in the study who reported having a changing mole had the greatest risk of developing melanoma. Women who reported a changing mole were also more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma. More than half of those screened had at least one established risk factor for melanoma: skin type I/II, family history of skin cancer, or personal history of skin cancer. Among all those diagnosed with melanoma, 83 percent had one or more risk factors and/or a changing mole. "Today more people are taking advantage of skin cancer screenings," said Dr. Gilchrest. "However, everyone, especially middle-aged and older men, needs to become more aware of the risk factors for melanoma, practice sun-safe behavior and perform regular skin self-exams." It's important to take time for a monthly skin self-examination, which includes looking over the entire body especially the back, scalp, soles of the feet and palms of the hand. "If you find any changes during a skin self-exam in the size, color, shape or texture of a mole, the development of an odd-looking mole or any other unusual changes in the skin, you should see a dermatologist immediately," said Dr. Gilchrest. "When looking at a mole, follow the simple ABCD rule which outlines the warning signs of melanoma." The ABCD rule is as follows: Asymmetry -- One half of the mole does not match the other half. Border irregularity -- The edges of the mole are ragged, notched or blurred. Color -- The pigment of a changing mole is not uniform and may include shades of tan, brown, black and even red, white or blue. Diameter -- A mole larger than six millimeters, about the size of a pencil eraser, should be of concern. Individuals are encouraged to take advantage of the AAD's free skin cancer screenings. Each year, hundreds of AAD members donate their time and expertise to perform skin cancer screenings at locations throughout the country. In its 17 years, more than 1.2 million people have been screened through the AAD's program, and approximately 116,000 suspicious lesions, including 15,150 suspected melanomas, have been detected. Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer. To protect yourself from the sun, the AAD recommends avoiding outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun's ray are the strongest. If you must be outside, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher, and wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. The study encompassed 242,374 screenings conducted from 1992 to 1994 as part of the AAD's National Skin Cancer Screening Program. Overall, 3,476 individuals were given a presumptive diagnosis of melanoma or possible melanoma. (1) Cancer Facts & Figures 2001, American Cancer Society, Inc. Atlanta, Georgia (2) Cancer Facts & Figures 2001, American Cancer Society, Inc. Atlanta, Georgia SOURCE: American Academy of Dermatologists E-mail this page to a friend or colleague! To print, use this version