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Melanoma Awareness Campaign Essay

Decent Essays

Melanoma (Skin cancer) is one of the most common cancers in the UK, and each year about 12,800 people are diagnosed with melanoma. It is the 5th most common cancer overall in this country. The number of people developing it is increasing: the rate is 4 times higher than 30 years ago. Melanoma is one of the most common cancers in people 15 and 34 years of age. The highest incidence is in people over 80. More women than men suffer.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Melanoma occurs when cells develop abnormally on the skin and produce abnormal moles. Some of the symptoms of melanoma include these moles getting bigger, changing shape, particularly getting an irregular edge, changing colour – getting darker, becoming patchy or multi shaded, Itching or …show more content…

People who have had a melanoma have a much greater risk of developing a second melanoma – their chances are 9 times higher than average. Some recent studies suggest women have a higher risk factor because of their gender. Other research shows an increased men with a higher than average body mass index carry a high risk- yet this is not true of overweight women.

Proposed Awareness Campaign
Melanoma awareness has increased over time. Cancer Research UK initiated campaigns to highlight the risks. ‘Be SunSmart’ and ‘Detecting Skin Cancer’ are health promotions which increase awareness of skin cancer and discuss the practical side of prevention and diagnosis.

Raising awareness of melanoma is very important since lives, particularly those with higher than normal risk, could be saved if education works. I propose initiating an awareness campaign focusing on the following points.

Target groups
1. Statistics show that 15 and 34, people using sunbeds is increasing: melanoma is disproportionately high in this age group. My campaign would, therefore, target this critical age group.
2. People with fair skin, moles or freckles, red or blonde hair are at increased risk, as are those with a personal or family history of skin cancer. Any competent campaign would focus on these particular groups.
3. Common misconceptions need to be removed. Many think using sunscreen prevents ultraviolet rays harming the skin and reduces any risks.

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