In reality, sunscreen only helps prevent sunburn; it does not prevent melanoma, explained dermatologist Ave Vahlberg to the ERR news portal. Melanoma is caused by ultraviolet radiation, and sunscreen does not protect against it, regardless of the sun protection factor.
Additionally, 75% of melanomas develop in so-called "empty spots," not from moles. "If people notice something new on their body that doesn’t resemble existing formations, they should definitely show it to a doctor," Vahlberg warned. According to her, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a growing formation; melanoma can also change in color, shape, or consistency.
95% of melanomas detected in the early stages are treatable, but one in twenty cases ends in death. "Melanoma is considered the most aggressive tumor in humans," said Vahlberg. It becomes more difficult—if not impossible—to treat melanoma that has advanced beyond the first stage.
Melanoma, or pigmented tumor, usually forms on the skin's surface. If not removed in time, cancer cells spread through the lymphatic system and bloodstream throughout the body, forming new tumors. There is no hope that melanoma will disappear or shrink on its own.
It is known that exposure to the sun, especially tanning in a solarium, are high-risk factors for melanoma. However, melanoma can sometimes form in mucous membranes or even in the eye, despite no direct sunlight exposure. Melanoma can also appear on the skin without significant ultraviolet radiation, but in such cases, doctors cannot pinpoint the exact cause. "It’s probably genetics, but we don’t have adequate information," Vahlberg explained.
According to 2007 data, in Estonia, melanoma occurs in 14.5 women and 7 men per 100,000 people. In women, melanomas tend to form on the lower legs, while in men, they more often appear on the back. However, women visit the doctor more frequently. "The worldwide problem is that men get to the doctor too late," Vahlberg said.
The article appeared on Estonian Public Broadcasting and can be found here.