3 days ago
Keep an eye on your skin to prevent melanoma, doctor says
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer.
When it comes to skin cancer, Dr. Richard Langley has one major piece of advice: Keep an eye on your body.
'Self detection is critical,' he told CTV News Atlantic's Todd Battis on Thursday. 'If you diagnose skin cancer early, it's curable.'
Langley, who is a dermatologist and professor of medicine with Dalhousie University, said he's personally seen an uptick in the rates of skin cancer, particularly among young patients.
'It's estimated one in five Canadians will develop a form of skin cancer,' he said. 'Melanoma is the most serious, but it's the least common form of skin cancer.'
According to the Government of Canada's website, melanoma starts in the cells that produce melanin, which are mostly found in the skin.
'It occurs when a melanocyte grows uncontrollably and develops into a tumour,' the website reads. 'Melanoma is most frequently found on the back of men and on the back and legs of women.'
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, in 2024 it was estimated that 1,300 Canadians would die from melanoma (850 men and 440 women).
Langley says melanoma can be caused by a combination of factors, including genetics and specific sun exposure.
He recommends people regularly check their skin for anything unusual, use sunscreen and avoid prolonged sun exposure during the peak hours between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
