Melanoma Monday

(RELEASE) If caught early, skin cancer - including melanoma - is highly treatable

NEW TREATMENTS:

There have been rapid medical advances in recent years for the treatment of melanoma. In January, two new melanoma drugs (dabrafenib and trametinib), were granted accelerated approval by the FDA for use as a combination therapy. Adoptive cell therapy is another very personalized cancer therapy that is being offered in select treatment centers across the country.

• Five years ago, melanoma was regarded as a malignancy where there was very little hope for patients with metastatic disease. Today, it's a different story. Now that we have multiple new drugs approved, there's a lot of hope for melanoma. However, the best way to treat melanoma is to catch it early.
• If caught early, skin cancer - including melanoma - is highly treatable. And you can learn how to SPOT Skin Cancer with a few tips from the American Academy of Dermatology.

The ABCDE warning signs of melanoma:
• A is for Asymmetry
• B is for Border irregularity
• C is for varying Color
• D is for Diameter, typically greater than the size of a pencil eraser
• E is for Evolving or changing in size, shape or color over time.

Skin Cancer Quiz

Q1: What are the warning signs of skin cancer? If a spot on your skin is changing, itching or bleeding, see a board-certified dermatologist. It's also important to look for the ABCDEs of melanoma: A is for Asymmetry, B is for irregular Border, C is for varying Color, D is for Diameter – typically larger than a pencil eraser, and E is for Evolving size, shape or color.

Q2: How many Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetimes? 1 in 5 Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime.

Q3: True or False, melanoma can occur anywhere on your body? True. Melanoma can occur anywhere, even on parts of your body where the sun doesn't shine, such as the soles of your feet, or in your nose or mouth.

Q4: True or False, skin cancer can be effectively treated when caught early? True. When detected early and treated properly, skin cancer, including melanoma, is highly treatable. That's why it's so important to know what to look for on your skin.

Visit SpotSkinCancer.org to find a free skin cancer screening in your area, and for more resources on skin cancer prevention and detection.