• Melanoma Monday

    Melanoma Monday

    Melanoma Monday is recognized each year as a way to raise awareness of skin cancer.   It focuses on skin health, sun safety, tanning prevention and skin cancer screenings.

    Melanoma is the deadliest of skin cancers.  Lip melanoma typically affects the surface cells of the skin.  Common signs or symptoms of lip cancer include visible irregularities in the skin on the lower lip.  According to the American Cancer Society, a red patch on your lip that becomes crusty, itchy, or bleeds is a warning sign.  Lumps or wart-like growths on the lips are also skin irregularities that can be signs of melanoma.

    Lip Cancer Causes

    Lip cancer, like many cancers, can be attributed in part to lifestyle factors.  The following factors increase the risk of lip cancer:

    • Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation
    • Tobacco use
    • Alcohol use

     

    Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a significant risk factor for developing melanoma on your lips and other parts of your body.  Because UV rays primarily come from sunlight, apply sunscreen to your exposed skin, including protective lip balm as a preventative measure.

    Tobacco and alcohol use are also contributors to oral and lip cancer.  People who drink three to four alcoholic beverages a day are twice as likely to develop oral cancer than those who do not, and people who smoke can be ten times more likely to develop oral cancer than nonsmokers.  The risk of oral cancer is two to three times greater when tobacco use and daily alcohol consumption are combined.

    Differences Between Cold Sores and Cancer

    If you notice open sores on your lips, they may be signs of cancer, but they may not be.  Although cancerous lesions may look or feel like cold sores when they appear, they won’t heal the same as cold sores.  Recurrent cold sores aren’t a sign of cancer.  Your dentist can help you differentiate cold sores from other skin infections.

    Early Diagnosis of Lip Cancer

    Early diagnosis of all cancers is vital, as lip cancers are almost always curable when caught and treated early.  You should check your lips regularly for skin changes such as sores, white patches, or red patches.

    During your routine cleaning exams, your dentist can complete an oral cancer screening where they will examine your lips and the rest of your mouth for cancerous tissues.

    It’s essential to quickly diagnose and treat melanomas to prevent the disease from progressing to other parts of your body.

    Prevention

    While melanoma and other skin cancers aren’t 100% preventable, there are ways to reduce your risk.

    • Wear sunscreen to protect yourself from harmful UV rays.  Reapply sunscreen throughout the day.  This includes protective lip balm for your lips.
    • Use other types of sun protection such as broad-brimmed hat, long sleeves, and pants.  Don’t forget the back of your neck,
    • Find shade.  Trees, umbrellas and awnings provide excellent sun protection on warm days.
    • Don’t let the clouds fool you.  UV rays still reach the Earth and your skin on a cloudy day!
    • Avoid tanning beds.  The UV light in tanning beds puts you at risk for melanoma, too.
    • Regularly check your skin and lips for abnormalities.  Report any changes in the skin, such as color, sores, or growths to your dentist or physician as soon as possible.

     

    Colgate

    American Cancer Society

    National Cancer Institute

    Skin Cancer Foundation

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