Melanoma Monday

May is "Melanoma Awareness Month."  Today is "Melanoma Monday."  And because I have survived melanoma twice now, it is a cause that is particularly near and dear to my heart.  The oncologist I used to work for would always say "Melanoma is what gives cancer a bad name." because it is one of the sneakiest and deadliest cancers of all. 

More than a million cases are diagnosed in the United States each year.  And it is estimated that in the U.S. one person dies from melanoma every hour of every day.  That's a pretty startling statistic.  But, the good news is this:  if detected early it is usually very treatable.  Many people go on to live full, productive lives for many years following diagnosis and treatment of the worst type of skin cancer possible - melanoma. 

In honor Melanoma Awareness Month, I'm posting this little quiz for you to determine if you are at risk of developing melanoma at some point in the future.  Take the quiz - it could save your life.  Use sunscreen every single day.  And see your dermatologist if you have any suspicious moles or marks on your skin.



SKIN CANCER RISK FACTOR QUIZ by the American Melanoma Foundation 
Exposure to the ultraviolet radiation of the sun is the most important fact in determining a person's risk of skin cancer. Past sunburns, sun exposure at young ages, genetics and immune system deficiencies may also play a part.

The following quiz can help determine your risk for developing skin cancer.
After you add up your total points, match your score with those noted below to find your risk level:

Hair ColorBlond/red =4
Brown = 3
Black = 1

Eye ColorBlue/green = 4
Hazel = 3
Brown = 2

When exposed to one hour of summer sun, you.. Burn, and sometimes blister = 4
Burn, then tan = 3
Tan = 1

Where is your job? Outdoors = 4
Mixed = 3
Indoors = 2

Do you have freckles? Many = 5
Some = 3
None = 1

Has anyone in your family had skin cancer? Yes = 5
No = 1

Where in the U.S. did you live most before the age of 18?South = 4
Midwest = 3
North = 2

Risk Levels
10 _ 15 Below average risk
16 _ 22 Average risk
23 _ 25 High risk
26 _ 30 Very high risk

People with the following characteristics have the highest risk for melanoma:
Fair complexions that burn or blister easily
Blond or red hair
Blue, green or gray eyes
Excessive sun exposure during childhood and teen years, blistering and sunburns before age 18
Family history of melanoma
More than 100 moles; 50 if you are under age 20
  
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