May is National Skin Cancer and Melanoma Awareness Month. Cancer Research And Biostatistics (CRAB) works with SWOG Cancer Research Network SDMC & Operations Office on our Melanoma committee which is a designated group of experts who specialize in Melanoma cancer. Melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer compared to the more common forms of skin cancer such as Basal cell carcinoma and Squamous cell carcinoma. According to estimates made from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program, 100,640 Americans will be diagnosed with melanoma.
Unusual moles, family medical history and exposure to natural or artificial sunlight (such as tanning beds) over extended periods of time can increase the risk of melanoma. Skin exams, biopsies and routine health exams and of course using sun safety measures are all great strategies in early detection and prevention of Melanoma.
Our melanoma committee’s expertise and collaborative efforts contribute to advancements in melanoma research, treatment, and patient care. As a proud partner of the SWOG SDMC we support a few melanoma cancer research studies such S2000 and the iMATCH pilot, S2101, which includes patients with melanoma and patients with head and neck cancers. Let’s share the importance of prioritizing our skin health during National Skin Cancer and Melanoma Awareness Month!