Melanoma Information

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Attackhead formed an alliance with the Melanoma Research Foundation in late 2007 to help spread the word about the dangers of melanoma.  Attackhead is donating five percent of all profits from the sales of its merchandise to the non-profit organization.

The decision to partner with the MRF came after Mark Chapman’s, lead singer/guitarist of Attackhead, father died in July 2005 from complications caused by melanoma. Chapman hopes this partnership will raise funds and educate a younger audience about the dangers of melanoma.

“We are very grateful to Attackhead for their commitment to melanoma education,” said Linda Pilkington, executive director of MRF. We hope this partnership will generate additional visibility about the importance of early detection.”

Americans have a one in 50 lifetime risk of developing melanoma.  In fact, melanoma is the primary cause of cancer death in women 25 to 30 years old and the number two cause of cancer death, after breast cancer, in women 30 to 35 years old. The average life span for someone with advanced melanoma is less than one year.

 

What is Melanoma?

Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, is the fastest growing cancer in the U.S. and worldwide. One in 50 Americans have a lifetime risk of developing melanoma, and in 2008, more than 62,000 are expected to be diagnosed in the U.S. with the disease, resulting in an estimated 8,400 deaths.

 

Quick Facts about Melanoma:

1)      Melanoma strikes people of all ages (including children), all races and both sexes. Most Americans are unaware of the seriousness of melanoma. It’s important to know the risk factors such as fair skin, person and family history, weakened immune system, severe sunburns-especially while young-and exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

2)      Melanoma is the most common cancer in young adults between 20-30 years old.

3)      Every hour of every day, someone dies of melanoma in the United States.

4)      Melanoma is being diagnosed at epidemic rates. By the year 2010, 1 in 50 people will be diagnosed with melanoma.

5)      It only takes one blistering sunburn to more than double a person’s chance of developing melanoma later in life.

6)      Exposure to tanning beds before age 35 increases a person’s risk of developing melanoma by 75% and occasional tanning in beds triples their chances.

7)      Early detection of melanoma is essential to improve the prognosis.

 

To learn more about melanoma, visit www.melanoma.org

 

 

SKIN SELF EXAM INFORMATION

 

 

Step 1.

  • Stand in front of a full-length mirror. Examine your body front and back, then examine your right and left sides with your arms raised.

 

Step 2.

  • Bend your elbows and look carefully at your forearms, the back of your upper arms, and your palms.

 

Step 3.

  • Look at your feet, the soles of your feet, and the spaces between your toes.

 

 

 

Step 4.

  • Using a hand mirror, look at:
    • The back of your legs.
    • The back of your neck.
    • Your scalp. Part your hair several times, in different places, to look at your entire scalp.
    • Your back, buttocks, and genital area.

     

 

What to look for:

A

 

  • Asymmetry. One half doesn't match the appearance of the other half.

 

B

 

  • Border irregularity. The edges are ragged, notched, or blurred.

C

  • Color. The color (pigmentation) is not uniform. Shades of tan, brown, and black are present. Dashes of red, white, and blue add to a mottled appearance.

 
D
 
  • Diameter. The size of the mole is greater than 1/4 inch (6 mm), about the size of a pencil eraser. Any growth of a mole should be evaluated.

 
 

 

The MRF is pleased to announce the “Ask A Nurse” Program

If you need guidance or answers to basic questions about melanoma, email our working professional RN, Suzanne McGettigan

YOU CAN EMAIL SUZANNE AT :

askanurse@melanoma.org

 

Special Thanks to the Melanoma Research Foundation

       

 

 

 

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