In 2017 the journalist, Norah O’Donnell had a routine check-up that turned out to be melanoma. According to MD Anderson Cancer Center, melanoma is a skin cancer that starts in melanocytes (cells that make melanin), which give skin its pigment, or color. Sometimes these cells change, often because of damage caused by sun exposure. Over time, this damage may result in cancer.
When Norah O’Donnell got the news that she had melanoma, she was terrified. But fortunately it was caught early and so it had not yet reached the blood and lymph vessels where it can spread to the rest of the body. Norah O’Donnell had a three inch piece of skin from the upper left corner of her back removed. She now has regular check-ups for skin cancer.
MD Anderson reports that approximately 70,000 new cases of invasive melanoma are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. While melanoma accounts for only 3% of all types of skin cancer, it has the highest death rate of all types and is more likely to spread (metastasize) in the body.
What are the risk factors for melanoma?
Sun damage
Artificial sunlight from tanning beds
Fair complexion
Moles. Having a lot of benign (non cancer moles)
Family history of melanoma
Atypical mole
It is a good idea to be checked by a doctor every year to determine if you have any suspicious factors that could contribute to skin cancer. Have your doctor check your body from head to toe. In addition, you should perform a self-exam of your skin.
The American Cancer Society recommends that you check any moles, blemishes or birthmarks from the top of your head to your toes. If you look at your skin on a regular basis, you will know what’s normal for you. Many skin cancers are found on parts of the body that tend to get more sun such as the face, head, neck and arms. However, skin cancers can occur anywhere on the body.
For more information visit:
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/sun-and-uv/skin-exams.html