From the Guidelines
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is a primary cause of melanoma, and reducing UV exposure is crucial for preventing this deadly skin cancer. The evidence from studies, including those by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force 1, supports the link between UV radiation exposure and the incidence of all three types of skin cancer, including melanoma.
Key Findings:
- Epidemiologic evidence links ultraviolet radiation exposure with incidence of all 3 types of skin cancer 1.
- The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force found convincing evidence linking UV radiation exposure during childhood and youth to a moderately increased risk for skin cancer later in life; for adults, adequate evidence links UV radiation exposure to a small increase in risk for skin cancer 1.
- Persons with fair skin, light hair and eye color, or freckles or who sunburn easily are at increased risk for skin cancer 1.
Prevention Measures:
- Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun-protection factor of 15 or greater every 2 hours when outdoors.
- Wear hats or other shade-protective clothing.
- Avoid the outdoors during midday hours (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.).
- Avoid indoor tanning completely.
- Get regular skin examinations, especially for those with fair skin, multiple moles, family history of melanoma, or immunosuppression. Reducing UV exposure through these preventive measures can significantly decrease the risk of melanoma and improve quality of life.
From the Research
UV Radiation and Melanoma
- UV radiation from sunlight is a major risk factor for melanoma development, with cumulative exposure contributing to DNA damage, oxidative stress, and inflammation in the skin 2
- Intense intermittent exposure to UV radiation via sunlight is the most significant risk factor for melanoma, along with a history of sunburns 3
Prevention and Management
- Prevention strategies and therapeutic interventions for UV-induced melanoma are being explored, including options for reducing UV radiation exposure and managing skin damage 2
- Surgical excision is a key treatment modality for melanoma, with wide excision of the primary site and sentinel lymph node biopsy for selected patients 4, 5
- Definitive excision margins for primary cutaneous melanoma have been established, with recommendations for margins based on melanoma thickness and other factors 5
Treatment Approaches
- Surgery remains a cornerstone for diagnosis and treatment of primary melanoma, with a trend towards less invasive surgical procedures 6
- Immunotherapy and targeted therapy are also being used to treat melanoma, particularly for patients with stages III and IV disease 6
- A multidisciplinary approach to management is needed, with involvement of dermatology and oncology subspecialists 3