This week, Bobbi Conner talks with Dr. Graciela De Jesus about melanoma skin cancer and prevention strategies. Dr. De Jesus is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology and a dermatologist at the Hereditary Cancer Clinic at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center.
TRANSCRIPT:
Conner: I'm Bobbi Conner for South Carolina Public Radio with Health Focus here at the radio studio for the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Approximately 90% of melanoma skin cancer cases in the US are considered to be preventable. Doctor Graciela De Jesus is here to talk about what we can do to greatly reduce our risk of developing this aggressive form of skin cancer. Doctor De Jesus is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology and a dermatologist at the Hereditary Cancer Clinic at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center. Doctor De Jesus, tell us more about melanoma skin cancer.
Dr. De Jesus: Melanoma is a type of cancer originating from the pigment producing cells in the skin, mucosa and eyes. They're called melanocytes. And because these melanocytes originate in the early stages of human development, Melanoma has the ability to spread to distant organs or metastasize more frequently than other common skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Conner: Why is this type of cancer considered to be highly preventable?
Dr. De Jesus: Over 90% of melanomas are cutaneous melanomas. Some factors contributing to an increased risk of melanoma are genetic, therefore not modifiable. However, a big factor contributing to the risk of melanoma is exposure to ultraviolet radiation, and it is here that we can take precautions and minimize our risk.
Conner: What can we do to prevent melanoma or greatly reduce our risk?
Dr. De Jesus: Some strategies we can take to minimize our risk of developing melanoma are number one, and very importantly, avoid the use of tanning beds. And number two, practice sun safety. And sun safety includes seeking the shade, especially during the times of day when the sun is the strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Use some protective clothes, lightweight long-sleeved shirts, pants, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses with UV protection. And of course, sunscreen. It should be broad-spectrum, water-resistant, SPF 30 or above. And of course, we have to remember to reapply the sunscreen every two hours at least.
Conner: And I understand if melanoma is identified and treated early it is actually curable.
Dr. De Jesus: Yeah. The earlier we identify and treat melanoma, the higher the survival rate. For example, for stage zero or melanoma in situ remaining in the epidermis of the skin, the five-year survival is nearly 100%.
Conner: So, to be proactive, then we each need to be on the lookout for any skin changes that might develop.
Dr. De Jesus: Yeah. Dermatologists use a mnemonic called the ABCD’s of melanoma to identify high-risk lesions. A stands for asymmetry. So, one half of the lesion is not the same as the other half. B stands for border irregularity. C stands for multiple colors. D is for diameter, over six millimeters. And E, which is very important, stands for evolution. So, if a spot grows, changes in color, or otherwise becomes symptomatic, it becomes itchy, painful, starts bleeding spontaneously, it should be brought to the doctor's attention.
Conner: Doctor De Jesus, thanks for this information about reducing our risk of melanoma.
Dr. De Jesus: Thank you for having me.
Conner: From the radio studio, for the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, I'm Bobbi Conner for South Carolina Public Radio.
Health Focus transcripts are intended to accurately represent the original audio version of the program; however, some discrepancies or inaccuracies may exist. The audio format serves as the official record of Health Focus programming.
