What quadruples your risk for melanoma?

According to a study presented at the 15th World Congress on Cancers of the Skin, patients with moles on their bodies had more than four times the risk of developing a deadly cancer, melanoma compared with those without moles. This is why it is important that people check their moles regularly and report any change to their doctor.

The more moles you have on your body, the higher your risk for melanoma. Those with unusually shaped or large moles (atypical mole syndrome) have the highest risk.

Melanoma is currently the fifth most common cancer diagnosis in men in the United States and the seventh most common cancer diagnosed in women. Melanoma is the number one cancer in young adults aged 25-29. The incidence of melanoma has been increasing faster than that for any other cancer in the United States.

Example of malignant melanoma above.

Click here to read an interview with Dr. Margaret Sommerville on skin cancer melanoma and ways to reduce your risk.

A full body exam is a vital tool in screening patients for cancerous lesions. Please call Chevy Chase Dermatology at 301.656.7546 and we will be happy to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sommerville.

Dr. Margaret Sommerville, welcomes patients from the entire Washington, DC metropolitan area including Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Potomac, Rockville, Kensington, Silver Spring, and Olney in Maryland, as well as Arlington, Alexandria, McLean and Great Falls in Virginia.

Tags: Melanoma, Moles, Skin Cancer

Category: Skin Cancer

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