Board-certified dermatologist discusses importance of
preventive health measures in recognition of UV Awareness
Month
ROSEMONT, Ill., June 25,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Brian
Ingham was only 32 years old when a board-certified
dermatologist discovered melanoma on his back during a routine
visit to get a tattoo removed in late 2023. The Washington, D.C.-area military pilot said he
knew he was at an increased risk as his mother was recently
diagnosed with advanced melanoma that same year. He never realized
that the suspicious spot he first noticed in 2020 could also end up
being the deadliest form of skin cancer.
"Everyone thinks they're invincible when they're young, but sun
exposure has ramifications farther down the line," Ingham said. "I
wish I had done more to protect myself – like wearing long-sleeve
shirts and sunscreen all the time when I was growing up – but you
can't live in the past. I need to make good decisions right now,
because they'll have an impact on me when I'm 60 or 70 and I'm at a
higher risk for a lot of different medical conditions."
While skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S.,
it is also one of the most preventable. Ahead of the July 4th weekend and UV Awareness
Month in July, the American Academy of Dermatology encourages
everyone to regularly perform skin self-exams to catch skin cancer
early and protect themselves from the sun to reduce their risks of
skin cancer.
"Skin cancer can affect anyone, which is why Brian's experience
highlights the importance of performing skin self-exams," said
Neelam Khan, MD, FAAD, a
board-certified dermatologist in Washington, D.C. who diagnosed Ingham's
melanoma. "Early detection through regular skin checks can catch
skin cancer when it's most treatable. I advise my patients to
routinely inspect their skin for any new or changing spots, because
the patients who do so are much more likely to identify something
changing on their skin than someone who isn't regularly checking
themselves."
A skin self-exam involves looking at all the spots on your body,
including moles, freckles, and age spots. Skin cancer can appear
anywhere on your skin, even in less obvious areas like your palms,
soles, mouth, eyes, genitalia, and buttocks, making it one of the
few cancers you can typically see on your body. For those with
darker skin tones, skin cancer is more likely to develop in areas
not commonly exposed to the sun, such as under or around the nails,
palms, or soles.
During a skin self-exam, Dr. Khan says you should check your
skin and nails for the ABCDEs of melanoma:
- A stands for ASYMMETRY. One half of the spot is
unlike the other half.
- B stands for BORDER. The spot has an irregular,
scalloped, or poorly defined border.
- C stands for COLOR. The spot has varying colors
from one area to the next, such as shades of tan, brown or black,
or areas of white, red, or blue.
- D stands for DIAMETER. While melanomas are
usually greater than 6 mm, or about the size of a pencil eraser,
when diagnosed, they can be smaller.
- E stands for EVOLVING. The spot looks different
from the rest or is changing in size, shape, or color.
Once you know the warning signs for skin cancer, Dr. Khan
recommends following these tips to check your skin:
- Examine your body front and back in a full-length
mirror, then look at the right and left sides with your
arms raised.
- Bend your elbows and look carefully at your forearms,
underarms, fingernails, and palms of your hands.
- Look at the backs of your legs and feet, the spaces between
your toes, your toenails, and the soles of your feet.
- Examine the back of your neck and scalp with a hand
mirror. Part your hair for a closer look at your scalp.
- Check your back and buttocks with a hand
mirror.
Thankfully, Ingham's melanoma was removed and he's cancer-free.
Now, he educates others about the importance of regular skin checks
and early detection.
"This incident was a powerful lesson I share with friends and
loved ones," Ingham said. "Witnessing the impact of early
detection firsthand, many of my friends were inspired to schedule
their own skin checks, recognizing the importance of proactive
healthcare. It's a ripple effect I'm grateful to be a part of,
knowing that by sharing my story, I may have played a role in
potentially saving lives."
To protect yourself from the sun and reduce your risk of skin
cancer, the AAD recommends that everyone seek shade, especially
when the sun's rays are strongest between 10
a.m. and 2 p.m.; wear sun-protective clothing such as a
lightweight long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and
sunglasses with UV protection, when possible; and apply a
broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or
higher to all skin not covered by clothing.
"By taking these precautions, you can reduce the risk of sunburn
and long-term skin damage while enjoying the holiday festivities,"
said Dr. Khan. "If you notice anything new or unusual on your skin,
or anything changing, itching or bleeding, see a board-certified
dermatologist."
To find a board-certified dermatologist in your area, visit
aad.org/findaderm.
More Information
ABCDEs of Melanoma
Practice Safe Sun
Shade, Clothing, and Sunscreen
AAD B-Roll Library
About the AAD
Headquartered in Rosemont,
Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938,
is the largest, most influential and most representative of all
dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 21,000
physicians worldwide, the AAD is committed to advancing the
diagnosis and medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of the
skin, hair, and nails; advocating high standards in clinical
practice, education and research in dermatology; and supporting and
enhancing patient care because skin, hair, and nail conditions can
have a serious impact on your health and well-being. For more
information, contact the AAD at (888) 462-DERM (3376)
or aad.org. Follow @AADskin
on Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest and YouTube and
@AADskin1 on Instagram.
View original
content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/american-academy-of-dermatology-declare-your-independence-from-skin-cancer-perform-a-skin-self-exam-this-4th-of-july-302181861.html
SOURCE American Academy of Dermatology