Ballwin Not Immune to Skyrocketing Melanoma Rates

A recent study published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that in their studied population of 256 Minnesotan 18 to 39-year-olds, melanoma rates have jumped dramatically. 

The median age of diagnosis was close to 30-years-old. The most common area of melanoma was the lower extremities. Among the 179 woman, diagnosis rates increased 8 times, and among the 77 males, diagnosis rates increased 6 times. The study was conducted from 1970 to 2009. 

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS) melanoma is a skin cancer that develops from the pigment skin cells. It is less common than other skin cancers, but more likely to spread and cause harm. 

ACS also states that risks for melanoma are UV ray exposure, moles, light skin/hair and freckling, immune suppression, older age, and male gender. To detect melanoma, the "ABCD" method is recommended. 

When checking moles, look for: 

A-Asymmetry: one side not matching the other

B-Border: Ragged, notched, blurred edges

C-Color: different shades of color such as brown, black, or tan. 

D-Diameter: the spot is over the size of a pencil eraser

Melanomas don't always follow this pattern, but it can be helpful in early detection. 

Shane Trelhman, 36, of Ballwin, said that he hadn't heard of the "ABCD" method, at for a run. 

"I haven't heard of that, but it seems pretty common sense," Trelhman said. 

The ACS also points out that UV Rays are used in indoor tanning beds are sources of the UV exposure that is linked to skin cancer. 

"Yeah, pretty much all my friends used tanning beds," said Ashley Zieler, 32, of Ellisville. "But now that we in our thirties, we try to stay away."

Zieler was at Castlewood for a picnic lunch with Tammy Diekens, 30, of Ballwin. Diekens echoed Zieler's statement. 

"I don't think I know someone our age who hasn't craved a tan," Diekens said. "It makes me feel prettier, but I know in my head it is good."

The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) links UV tanning (both indoor and outdoor) to skin cancer, eye damage, premature aging, and burns. 

Another part of the Mayo Clinic study noted that sunburns as a child increased risk of skin cancer. 

Dan Tossee, 38, of Ballwin, has several of the mentioned risk-factors, such as fair skin, childhood burns, and family history of melanoma. 

"I've been lucky so far," Tossee said. "I'm hyper-aware, after finding out how high my risk is after a talk at work a few years ago. But I know the damage is done."

SunAware.org recommends that if you find a mole that is suspicious: 

• Make an appointment with your primary care physician for biopsy or referral to a dermatologist.
• Be your own advocate; let the appointment scheduler that you have a suspicious mole, and make sure your doctor knows how the melanoma progresses.
• Take a photo of the suspected mole to document its progress