According to Cancer.net, over 7,000 people die from melanoma every year. While you may not be able to prevent melanoma in your elderly loved ones, you can somewhat determine their risk of getting this type of cancer. There are many risk factors that you should be aware of.
Having Fair Skin
Does your elderly loved one have fair skin? This is one of the risk factors associated with melanoma. The reason for this is that those with fair skin sunburn more easily. This increases the risk of getting this type of cancer. This holds even more true for any Caucasians who have red or blonde hair and green or blue eyes.
Sunburn History
Has your elderly loved one gotten sunburnt a lot in their life? Those who get sunburnt more often have a higher risk of developing melanoma. While most of the damage is done in one’s childhood or their younger adult years, it can happen at any time.
Moles
While the majority of moles won’t turn into melanoma, some of them can. If your elderly loved one has a high number of moles, they have a higher risk of developing melanoma. If they have any suspicious moles, they should get them checked out by their doctor immediately.
Family History
Does your elderly loved one have a family history of melanoma? If so, then their risk of developing this type of cancer increases. In the majority of cases, those with a first-degree relative who had melanoma, have a higher risk of developing cancer themselves.
Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure
Has your elderly loved one spent a lot of time outdoors without sunscreen? Have they spent many hours in a tanning bed? If so, they have been exposed to ultraviolet radiation and will have an increased risk of developing melanoma.
Weak Immune System
Does your elderly loved one have a weak immune system? Generally, if your elderly loved one has ongoing health problems or has been treated for cancer in the past, they will have a weaker immune system. This increases their risk of developing melanoma, as well.
Age and Gender
Women who are under the age of 50 have a higher risk of developing melanoma. However, at the age of 50 and older, men have a higher risk of developing melanoma. Take this into consideration when determining your loved one’s risk of developing this type of cancer.
These are some of the melanoma risk factors that everyone should know about. With this information, you can start determining your loved one’s risk of developing melanoma.
If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Sugarhouse, UT, contact the caring staff at Interim Healthcare. Call today 801-401-3515.
Author: Michael and Marlena Hawkins, Owners, Interim HealthCare, Salt Lake City, UT
Interim HealthCare of Salt Lake City has been in business since February 2014, providing in-home personal care and support services that help our elderly and/or disabled neighbors live enriched, safe and independent lives. Our goal is to provide customized care and support services that make it possible for our clients to remain in the comfort of their own homes rather than relocate to an assisted living facility. Interim HealthCare is family owned by Michael and Marlana Hawkins, and is a Veteran Owned Small Business.
