Friday, February 25, 2011

Melanoma On The Rise for Athletes


An overlooked category of persons are at the highest risk of melanoma-athletes.

What is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a kind of skin cancer. It's not as common as other types of skin cancer-but it's the most serious of concern.

Melanoma affects the skin only but it can spread to your organs and bones if not treated and cured in the early stages.

Causes of Melanoma

When spending too much time in the sun without the correct protection against harmful ultraviolet radiation as most athletes do, causes normal skin cells to become abnormal. The abnormal skin cells grow out of control and attack tissues around them. Weekend warriors and avid outdoor fitness lovers may think they are protecting their skin against skin cancer, but not all sun screens are suitable for long term exposure and sweat repellent.

Athletes who don't have melanoma that runs in their families tend to think they are safe with the average sunscreen, or using none at all. This is a dangerous misconception.

Symptoms of melanoma is a change of an existing mole or other uncommon skin growth, even a birthmark you have since childhood. The mole can change color, be lumpy, rounded, ooze fluid or sometimes bleed.

When your doctor checks your skin for melanoma a sample tissue from the mole will be taken and a pathologist will check the tissue for cancer cells. In some cases, a very thick cancerous mole may leave a scar and additional surgery will be needed to remove the scar.

The countries that have the highest amount of melanoma among athletes are Australia, United States, Canada and The Netherlands.

A sunblock, known as a "physical block" that completely blocks ultraviolet radiation, and does not absorb into the pores of the skin must be used by the outdoor fitness person. Z-Cote, a transparent zinc oxide professionally recognized in the dermatological community must be in the sunblock. A sunblock that does not absorb into the skin, even with sweat expelling from pores, will help not to clog the pores possibly leading to breakouts. One reason, some athletes opt not to use a serious sun protector.

The Advanced Protection SPF 30 is a leading seller among athletes who are serious about avoiding melanoma and used by doctors.

The new American Athletic Skin Care Association is also working to bring awareness to this skin ailment for athletes.

By Sandy Alcide founder of Motion Medica fitness skin care.
Copyright 2011