Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that starts in melanocytes, the skin cells that produce pigment. It is one of the most common cancers affecting people aged 25-29. Since 1980, there has been a 50% increase in melanoma cases among women aged 15-39. The document discusses the causes, risks, symptoms, detection, stages, treatment and prevention of melanoma. Early detection through skin exams and prompt surgical removal of suspicious moles or tumors can help detect and treat melanoma before it spreads to other parts of the body. Prevention includes using sunscreen and avoiding tanning beds.

1. Cancer Patient Information
HCA 240
DENNIS OWUSU
Cancer can affect both men and women but a common one that is really is really
affection both young and old is known as Melanoma. This is one of the most
common forms of cancer in people ranging between the ages of 25-29. It is also
considered as the second most common to affect adolescents and young adults
between the ages of 15-29.
Since 1980 there has been study completed that show a 50 percent increase in
Melanoma in women between the ages of 15-39. It also shows that in woman
between the ages 30-34, it follows closely behind breast cancer. In this report I
would like to show you the cause, risk, treatment, detection, how it affects the
body, and how you can protect yourself from getting Melanoma.
Melanoma is a serious form of cancer that starts in the pigments of the skin,that
produce skin cells called melanocytes. The cells become abnormal, become
aggressive, and they grow uncontrollably. They eventually invade the
surrounding tissues. It can develop in a mole that you may have.
Before you are officially diagnosed with Melanoma you must go to the doctor and
have half or the entire tumor removed so it may be tested. This test will
determine the stage and the level of cancer that you may have. Stage 0 is
abnormal melanocytes that can be found in the epidermis. This may become
cancerous and spread into your normal tissue. This cancer can grow into 4
different stages and may get more aggressive as time progress.
There are several ways that you can prevent Melanoma from happening to you

2. the first step starts with yourself. The first step is to take care of your skin. One
step that many do not do is making sure when you are going out in the sun you
use sunscreen and make sure it is waterproof. This is very important to do.
Another way is by not going to a tanning bed. It has been known that tanning can
also be a factor that can cause skin cancer.
Melanoma affects the body by causing the skin to turn a brown color. Melanoma
is also very common in moles but tend to be darker in moles than in most areas
of the body that may have Melanoma. Treatment for skin cancer varies
depending on whether it has spread to other parts of the body or not.
If it hasn’t than your doctor will suggest that you have the tumor removed through
surgery immediately. The skin cancer and some of the surrounding tissue will be
removed during this. It all depends on how deep the cancer has grown. If the
Melanoma has spread to the lymph nodes then there is a good chance you will
have to have those removed as well. You then will be given Chemotherapy,
Immunotherapy, or radiation treatment.
References
Olsen CM, Carroll HJ, Whiteman DC. Estimating the attributable fraction for
melanoma: A meta-analysis of pigmentation characteristics and freckling. Int J
Cancer. 2010.
American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2012. Atlanta, Ga: American
Cancer Society; 2012.