May Awareness Month: Brain Cancer, Melanoma, and Skin Cancer

May is brain, melanoma, and skin cancer awareness month. Be sure to subscribe to the Focus On Cancer blog and like the Abramson Cancer Center Facebook page for more information on brain, Melanoma, and skin cancer throughout the entire month.

At a Glance: Brain Cancer

• Brain cancer is an umbrella term for several different forms of cancer, including tumors and metastases.
• About 2 percent of all newly diagnosed adult cancers are brain cancer; the average age of patients with brain cancer is 50.
• Exposure to radiation has been linked to certain types of brain tumors.

Learn more about the treatment for brain cancer at the from the 2012 Focus On Brain Cancer Conference. 

Learn more about proton therapy for brain cancer at the Roberts Proton Therapy Center. 

At a Glance: Melanoma and Skin Cancer

• Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. While it is mostly found on the skin, it can also be seen on a person’s nail beds, feet, scalp, eyes and mucosa surfaces (anal canal, rectum, and vagina).
• Moles that change in size, color, or border shape, or begin to itch or sting can be warning signs of melanoma and should be carefully monitored by your doctor.
• Risk factors for melanoma and skin cancer include fair complexion, history of sunburns and/or prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light, multiple moles, age, and family history of skin cancer and melanoma.
• The best prevention methods for skin cancer are avoiding sun exposure during peak hours (10 am to 4 pm) and wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more every day, even in winter.

Learn more about the treatment for melanoma and skin cancer at the Abramson Cancer Center.