Melanoma Increase
10 On Your Side Health Team finds national trend is reflected at local dermatology office.
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By Karen McNew
WSLS10 Anchor
Published: July 15, 2008
New research out finds melanoma cases are up for young women. The National Cancer Institute found that over thirty years, melanoma cases among white men and women ages 15 to 39 went up 50 percent for women but did not change in men.
10 On Your Side Health Team has learned this is not just a national trend. We talked with Dr. Susan Dorsey with Dermatology Associates in Roanoke who says she has seen an increase in the last 15 years too.
“I don’t have any teenage men who are diagnosed with melanoma at this point the only teenagers I diagnose with melanoma have been females and that worries me a lot. I think the tanning bed use might be one factor. I think girls are more inclined to think about how much better they might look with a tan so they are out there seeking that tan.”
Know the a,b,c,d’s of melanoma for mole checks
A- Asymmetry - If it is lopsided in shape or color.. get it checked.
B- Border - If the edges are irregular get it checked.
C- Color- A mole that has two or three different colors should be looked at by a doctor.
D- Diameter - A mole larger than a pencil eraser may be cause for concern.
Link to more information about melanoma from the National Cancer Institute
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