“Wear Orange – Spot Orange” on Melanoma Monday to Raise Community Awareness of Melanoma
The American Academy of Dermatology designates the first Monday of every May as Melanoma Monday with the SPOT Orange Campaign. This is a day when everyone in the community can show and share their awareness of melanoma and other types of skin cancer by wearing orange.
It is important to be aware of the signs and dangers of melanoma. The SPOT Orange campaign aims to spread awareness. Skin cancer can be deadly, and catching it early is the best and most important step in treating it.
What Causes Melanoma?
Melanoma is a form of skin cancer caused by UV exposure, whether from the sun, tanning beds, or genetics. Sun exposure damages the DNA in the melanocytes in your skin, or the cells that give your skin pigment. When these cells begin to reproduce abnormally because of DNA damage, it can cause growths of cancerous cells. These growths don’t just occur where they’re visible – if you are genetically predisposed to melanoma, they can also manifest in areas like underneath your nails, your scalp, or areas like your palms, soles, or groin where you may not expect. Melanoma becomes most dangerous when it spreads to vital areas of your body, at which point treatment becomes drastically less effective.
Melanoma Detection: Use the ABCDE’s of Skin Cancer
As part of the SPOT Orange campaign, Dr. Jennifer Janiga encourages you to get screened annually to stay on top of any potentially dangerous skin changes. If you suspect any problematic areas, you should see a dermatologist immediately. Melanoma can be deadly, and there’s no such thing as seeking treatment too early. If you have a lot of spots or freckles (and even if you don’t), it’s important to know what to look for. Check your moles regularly using the ABCDE’s of skin cancer:
- Asymmetry: Is one side of the mole a different color or shape than the other?
- Border: Does the mole have an irregular or poorly defined boarder?
- Color: Is the mole varying shades of tan, brown, black, red, white, or blue at the same time?
- Diameter: Melanomas are most often larger than a pencil eraser, but they CAN be smaller.
- Evolving: If a mole is growing or changing in shape, border, or color, it may be a melanoma.
Schedule an Appointment
Whether you need an annual screening or further treatment for something you suspect is skin cancer, make sure to schedule your appointment with Dr. Janiga right away. To meet with our team, we invite you to contact our Reno office by calling or filling out our online form.
And please remember to “Wear Orange – Spot Orange” on Melanoma Monday.
