Four Myths About Melanoma

BOSTON, Oct. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- When it comes to melanoma and other skin cancers, misconceptions abound. It is important to understand what will help prevent them and what might actually increase a person's risk. Here are four common myths related to melanoma and other skin cancers.

MYTH: Dark skin doesn't burn so those with it won't get skin cancer.

FACT: All skin types and ethnic groups can develop skin cancer. While it is true that Caucasians have a greater risk of skin-related cancer, everyone should protect their skin against UV rays. Although fair-skinned people can fairly easily see stage 1 melanoma and other cancers, darker skin makes catching it in the early stages more unlikely, and darker-skinned individuals tend to develop a more lethal type of melanoma that develops on the soles of the feet, between the toes, and on the palms of the hands. Additionally, Hispanics and African-Americans who have developed skin cancer have a noticeably higher mortality rate, often due to having it diagnosed in later stages.

MYTH: Putting on sunscreen as soon as one gets to the beach will protect against skin cancer.

FACT: Sunscreen takes about 15-30 minutes to really get absorbed by skin. Although it will still make a difference, a person won't have total protection until it has been absorbed. Additionally, applying sunscreen every two to four hours- and more frequently if you're in the water- while in the sun is highly recommended. Also, people should make sure to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30, especially those with fair skin.

MYTH: Unexposed skin can't get melanoma and doesn't need to be checked.

FACT: Unfortunately, melanoma can be developed on the soles of feet, beneath toenails and fingernails, in some organs and even in the eyes. Whether skin is exposed or not, it is still at risk of melanoma and should be checked during a cancer screening.

MYTH: Only people who tan regularly get skin cancer.

FACT: Anyone can get melanoma or other skin-related cancers. If there are any signs that a mole is changing shape or color, or a patch of skin has become harder or discolored, a doctor should be consulted. If cancer is detected, it is important to keep abreast of the latest advances in detection and treatment.

For example, Caliber I.D., with facilities in Rochester and Boston, is currently the only company in the world to offer an FDA-cleared in vivo confocal microscope designed specifically for imaging skin and other tissue. Caliber I.D.'s Rapid Cell ID technology enables scientists and physicians to characterize intact normal and abnormal cellular architecture that is otherwise invisible to the naked eye.

More than 15 years of engineering and development at US-based Caliber I.D. combined with feedback from independent researchers in the United States, Europe, and Australia, has resulted in the VivaScope, a robust suite of imaging products. The VivaScope® suite offers breakthrough technology that represents a new era in medical imaging. Physicians now have a cellular-level view of the patient's skin at the bedside, allowing for immediate tissue characterization and treatment. For those cases that require additional support from other specialists, Caliber I.D.'s telepathology system allows near real-time collaboration with remote specialists.

For more information, please visit www.caliberid.com, which paid for the writing and dissemination of this release.

Contact: Laura Radocaj, Dian Griesel Int'l., 212.825.3210

SOURCE Caliber I.D.