NTZP 2022: one in three of us does not have moles checked by a dermatologist. How not to miss melanoma? We advise

According to the results of the Polish National Health Test 2022, 36 percent. of the respondents had never had moles on their skin examined by a dermatologist. Learn how to recognize a potentially dangerous birthmark and what to do if you develop melanoma.

What is melanoma and where is it most common?

Melanoma (Latin melanoma malignum) is a type of skin cancer that develops in melanocytes, the cells that produce the skin pigment, melanin. It is she who is responsible for the color of our skin, eyes and hair. Melanoma occurs when melanocytes get out of control, malignantly transformed into masses of cancerous cells.

Melanoma can develop anywhere on the body, but is most common in areas that are in direct contact with sunlight. In men, it is most often located on the torso, and in women, on the legs, back and neck. Melanomas can also occur in areas that don’t get too much sun, such as the soles of the feet, palms, and nail beds. These types of “hidden” melanomas are more common in people with darker skin. [1]

Skin melanoma – who is most likely to get the disease?

Melanoma is the fifth most common malignant neoplasm in men and the seventh most common malignant neoplasm in women, accounting for 5%, respectively. and 4 percent all new cases of cancer. Incidence rate per 100 inhabitants averages from four to 12 in the world, with the highest rate in Australia (40 to 60 cases per 100 inhabitants). [2]

The incidence of melanoma is rising rapidly around the world – the incidence has almost tripled in the last three decades, an increase faster than any other cancer, with one exception – lung cancer in women. [3]

Each of us is at risk of developing melanoma. Although melanoma can develop accidentally, most cases are caused by overexposure to natural (solar radiation) and artificial ultraviolet radiation (tanning beds, solariums). Some studies even report that the incidence of skin cancer from overexposure to UV radiation is around 95%.

Other high-risk factors include:

1. Fair skin, freckles, red hair, blue or green eye color (according to the National Cancer Society, white people are 30 times more likely to develop invasive melanoma than people of African descent) 
2. Hypersensitivity to sunlight and prone to sunburn 
3. Family history of melanoma 
4. History of precancerous skin conditions 
5. A large number of pigmented nevi
6. Syndrome of dysplastic moles  

Melanoma – what does it look like? What are the symptoms of melanoma? When should we see a dermatologist?

Contrary to popular belief, melanoma does not always arise de novo on previously healthy-looking skin – it can also develop on the basis of a previously formed, potentially normal pigmentary nevus. Such lesions are usually of a uniform color — light brown, brown, or black, with a clear border separating the mole from the surrounding skin. These types of moles, whether moles are oval or round, are usually less than 6 millimeters in diameter – the size of a pencil eraser.

An easy way to remember what changes to look for in moles and other birthmarks is to look at the American ABCDE clinical system, which identifies a large proportion of melanomas.

1. A – asymmetry (asymmetry) – melanoma is asymmetrical in relation to each axis, the mark “spills” on one side  
2. B – irregular, jagged edges with thickening (border irregularity) 
3. C- color (color variegation) – a variety of colors, from light brown to black or steel, with uneven distribution of the dye 
4. D – large size, diameter over 6 mm (diameter> 6 mm)
5. E – elevation – elevation of the surface above the level of the surrounding epidermis [4] [5] 

Other changes that should make us visit a dermatologist or an oncological surgeon are:

1. Abnormal sensation within the lesion, e.g. pruritus, hyperaesthesia
2. The presence of inflammation
3. Oozing blood, plasma from the lesion 

Melanoma is the most dangerous cancer of the skin and can cause serious harm, but with appropriate preventive measures it can be detected early and successfully treated.

For this reason, it is so important to use rational photoprotection (use sunscreen, avoid excessive exposure to UV radiation), observe your own skin and visit a dermatologist at least once a year to examine the skin with a dermatoscope. [6]

Get cancer insurance – get access to early diagnosis, practical support and money for cancer treatment

Cancer insurance from Nationale-Nederlanden will give you extra support if you develop cancer, including skin melanoma.

This insurance is available in two versions: “On” and “She”, and each of them is additionally available in two variants:

1. The extended variant covers all malignant neoplasms.
2. The full variant includes all malignant neoplasms, malignant neoplasms in the early or pre-invasive stage and benign neoplasms.

You can extend your policy with additional packages:

1. Oncologist package, under which you can get visits to specialists, tests and professors’ consultations regarding the initial diagnosis of the disease.
2. Pre-diagnosis package, under which you can get screening and genetic tests that will allow for early detection of the disease. 

The full scope of insurance, taking into account the above-mentioned additional contracts, includes:

1. Screening and genetic tests that will allow for early detection of the disease as soon as the doctor notices the first symptoms (as part of the Pre-Diagnosis package).
2. Diagnostic program and visits to specialists, tests (including tumor markers, computed tomography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging) and professorial consultations on the initial diagnosis of the disease (as part of the Oncologist package).
3. A second medical opinion (i.e. support from a medical team that will verify your results and diagnosis based on expert opinions).
4. Up to PLN 600 for treatment and maintenance of living standards.
5. Assistance program, i.e. help in everyday life for you (e.g. medical transport, drug delivery, nurse assistance, organization of rehabilitation) and your relatives (e.g. help with housework and childcare).
6. Psychologist support under the Assistance Program.

Purchasing an oncology policy from Nationale-Nederlanden can help you in a crisis situation and guarantee you the payment of benefits that you will allocate to specialist treatment.