Melanoma ? Causes, risk factors and prevention measures

Posted by Logintohealth on October 20th, 2018

How can UV rays cause Melanoma?

Melanoma is the most dreadful skin cancer. There are many causes of the Melanoma. Some people have more chances of Melanoma because of the risk factors associated with them. One can also prevent the Melanoma. But in case of appearance of any symptom, one should consult the oncologist as soon as possible.

Melanoma is a severe type of skin cancer. The treatment of the disease is possible when it is identified in the early stage. It can be both normal and hidden melanoma. But why this Melanoma occurs? Why it is common for some while uncommon in others? How can it be prevented? To know the answers to these questions read the full article.

Causes of Melanoma:

Following are the causes of the melanoma –

Melanoma generally occurs when something goes awry in the melanin-producing cells. These cells are known as melanocytes and give color to the skin. In normal cases, skin develops in a colored and orderly way. This is done when healthy new cells replace the older cells by pushing them off the skin surface. But when there is a change in DNA, new cells become uncontrollable and forms the mass of cancer cells.

There is no specific reason for the Melanoma. It is the combination of various factors like UV radiation, genetic factors, and environmental factors. UV doesn’t cause every melanoma especially those which occurs in hidden places.

Risk Factors for Melanoma:

There are various risk factors associated with the melanoma. Following are the risk factors –

• Fair Skin – Having less melanin in the skin means that there is very less protection from UV rays in your body. Hence, you are more prone towards the melanoma. If you also have blonde or red hairs, then you are more at risk of Melanoma.
  
  
• Sunburn – If you have a history of one or more sunburns, you are more prone to the melanoma.
  
  
• Excessive UV rays exposure – Exposure from the UV rays of the sun or from the tanning lights and beds makes you more prone to the disease.
  
  
• Living closer to the equator – People living closer to the earth’s equator can result in increased risk of Melanoma.
  
  
• Having many moles or the unusual ones – More than 50 ordinary moles on the body can increase the risk of Melanoma. Moreover, moles of increased size can cause Melanoma. These are also known as dysplastic nevi.
  
  
• Family History of Melanoma – Melanoma is a genetically transmitted disease. So, if you have a family history of melanoma, you are more prone to the Melanoma.
  
  
• Weak immune system – People who have weak immune systems like those who have undergone the organ transplants can cause Melanoma.

Prevention of Melanoma:

It is always known that prevention is better than cure. Prevention of Melanoma is also possible. Following are the preventive measures of the melanoma –

• Avoid the midday sun – One should avoid the sunlight in the afternoon. This is because those rays are high-intensity UV rays. It will help to avoid the sunburns and protect you from the skin damage.
  
  
• Wear Sunscreen – They do not filter the UV rays but can play a major role in protecting you from the harmful UV rays. Use a broad spectrum of sunscreens with n SPF of at least 15.
  
  
• Wear protective clothes – Sunscreens are unable to provide complete protection from the UV rays. Therefore, for proper protection, one should wear full clothes. Some companies also manufacture photoprotective clothes. Try to use them. Also, don’t forget the caps and the sunglasses.
  
  
• Avoid tanning lamps and beds – Tanning lamps and the bed emit the UV rays and hence, must be avoided.
  
  
• Notice changes fast – One should be completely familiar with the skin so as to detect the melanoma very fast. Always look for new skin growths, freckles, bumps and the birthmarks.

Therefore, one should always prevent the chances of Melanoma by following the prevention measures.