Often caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays in sunlight, melanoma accounts for only 4 to 5 percent of skin cancer cases, but is responsible for most skin cancer-related deaths. As with many forms of cancer, melanoma is often misunderstood, and myths persist.
When detected and treated in its earliest stages, however, melanoma is often curable. The key is to avoid overexposure to UV rays – by limiting time outdoors during the peak hours of sunlight and wearing sun-protective clothing and sunscreen – and to be on the lookout for changes in moles and other blemishes that can be an early sign of the disease.
Jennifer Y. Lin, MD, of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Melanoma Treatment Program, sets the record straight on five of the most common myths about melanoma.
Myth 1: A diagnosis of melanoma means that I have months to live.
There are four stages of melanoma — five if you include a form known as melanoma in situ, an early form of the disease that affects only the top layer of skin. Stage 1 melanomas, which are less than one millimeter thick and almost always have not spread beyond their original site, have an excellent prognosis and are generally cured by surgery. The depth of the original melanoma is critical to determining how it will be treated and how people with it are likely to fare. Although more melanomas are being diagnosed, the largest portion are made up of Stage 1 melanomas. Before worrying about the worst outcomes, speak with your doctor about what stage melanoma you have.
Myth 2: There is no difference between SPF 30 and SPF 100 sunscreen.
Although the baseline protection from SPF 30 and SPF 100 is not vastly different, the higher number provides longer coverage. (SPF stands for sun protection factor, or the amount of ultraviolet radiation the skin can absorb without burning while the sunscreen is on.)
If it normally takes you 10 minutes in the sun to burn, an SPF 30 sunscreen protects you for 300 minutes. An SPF 100 should, in theory, provide 1,000 minutes of coverage. If you are sweating and active, the sunscreen can rub off and should therefore be reapplied every two hours. When you are using a high SPF, there is a smaller likelihood of having a “missed spot.” A good way to know that you are applying enough sunscreen is to use the measurement of a shot glass of sunscreen for exposed sites.
Myth 3: If it is a cloudy day, I do not need to wear sunscreen.
About 80 percent of ultraviolet radiation reaches the earth even through clouds. Use a moisturizer with sunscreen daily, especially for areas that have high exposure, such as your face.
Myth 4: If I am low in vitamin D levels, I must get some sun exposure.
Although the skin is the most efficient site of vitamin D production, adequate amounts can be obtained from your diet and from supplements. Vitamin D helps you absorb calcium and build strong bones, so we frequently recommend supplements that include vitamin D and calcium.
Myth 5: If I have dark skin, I can’t burn and won’t get melanoma.
Even people with dark skin can burn if they’re exposed to the sun long enough. Although melanoma is much more rare in individuals of darker skin, it can occur. We recommend that darker-skinned individuals inspect their hands and feet once a month.
Learn more about skin cancer and melanoma from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
I have not seen any data regarding plastic face-shields on motorcycle or snowmobile helmets. It would be helpful to know if the shields protect again the threat of facial melanoma by shielding against UVA and UVB rays.
I would like to hear what is currently known about the contribution of genetic markers for melanoma in combination with environmental exposure to risk factors such as UV.
Unfortunately, genetics play a large role in melanoma risk: if you are fair, with sensitive skin (burns easily) , multiple nevi, you are at baseline at higher risk. Nonetheless, the environmental exposures (most important UV exposure) does enhance your risk. Therefore if one is genetically susceptible, it is especially important to ensure that you are protected from additional UV exposure
LOVE this blog! I’m doing my part here in Maine to spread the word ! 🙂
I have had surgery twice for Melanoma since November 2011 and once for squamous cell. Should I have any other test to see if it has spread to any other parts of the body. I have my eyes and mouth checked out with no sighs of it spreading.
Hi Richard,
It’s perfectly normal to be worried about recurrence. There may be other tests or scans you should have, though this may vary depending on your age, risk, and previous diagnoses. The best thing would be to talk with your oncologist to explain your concerns and ask for recommendations.
My husband is currently in a clinic trial for melanoma he has stage 3 – we are very grateful for Dr. Lawrence and the staff at the Yawkee Center for their help and compassion
I am with Dr. Lawrence also at MGH in Boston. Don’t you just love him? He has me doing well with stage IV Mel on the BRAf/MEK human trial. I think the world of him, Dr. Flaherty, and Dr. Chabner. They are life savers with tender hearts and huge brains, going about their work with compassion and humility. My gratitude has no end to it.
My husband was diagnosed with stage 1b malignant melanoma. He had it removed and then more skin along with a sentinel node biopsy. He goes to see the dermatoglogist ever 3 months and the oncologist. All the test he has had done was all clear. But I am still very scared . They took alot of pics of his moles . He has displastic nevi and they are watching 9 of them. He grand dad died of melanoma but he wasn’t taking good care of himself. We have 3 kids and are in our early 30’s . I am so scared that he will get this back. Do most people with stage one get it again? they said he had a 13-15% chance of a new one. But like I said in so scared there are times I just can’t comprehend. Do u have any comforting advice? He wares hats and will put lotion on . I just so afraid to lose him. Please any good news would be great!!!!!!
Hi Jennifer:
I’m sorry about your husband’s diagnosis. I know that any cancer diagnosis can be a scary time for patients and family members. There’s some good information about melanoma on our web site at http://www.dana-farber.org/Adult-Care/Treatment-and-Support/Melanoma.aspx#_96
If you’d like to make an appointment with someone on the melanoma team, please call 877-442-3324. Even if you’ve been diagnosed, you might want a second opinion and our oncologists can provide that. Again, you can make an appointment for a second opinion by calling 877-442-3324.
I hope that helps and wish you the best.
What sunscreen do you recommend? Avobenzone….RCote ….it is all very confusing. A recommendation would be appreciated. I slather on the Coppertone Sport and wear a hat and yet I have skin cancer.
Hello, Joan.
Sorry to learn of your skin cancer diagnosis. Here is a short video to educate you about sunscreen:
http://www.dana-farber.org/Newsroom/Videos.aspx?spage=3&ssort=0&vid=21078&sdorder=1
Hello! I’ve recently been diagnosed with Melanoma in situ. Does this mean I have cancer? I’ve seen multiple different answers to this. I understand the Melanoma is simply on the outer layer of skin and has not spread, but is it still considered cancer? Thanks for your help!