Skin cancer survivors more vigilant

Less likely to die from melanoma

Those who have survived skin cancer don’t want to get it again, which likely makes them more vigilant about prevention. And a new study shows that can be life-saving.

For the study, published in the May issue of the “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology,” researchers looked at more than 900 cases of melanoma reported through the Health Professionals Follow-up Study.

They found that men with a history of non-melanoma skin cancer were less likely to die of melanoma than those without a history. The research was led by Jiali Han, a professor and chair of epidemiology at the Indiana University Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health in Indianapolis.

According to the American Cancer Society, about 91,270 new melanomas will be diagnosed in 2018; 9,320 people are expected to die of that form of cancer. In Connecticut, there will be 970 new cases of melanoma this year with 90 people expected to die from the illness.

In conjunction with Skin Cancer Awareness Month in May, the American Academy of Dermatology has released a new public service advertisement, “Caught It,” which encourages men older than 50 to be aware of changes on their skin so they can detect skin cancer early, when it’s most treatable.

During May, the academy also is recognizing “Skin Cancer Heroes” — patients and survivors, the friends, loved ones and doctors detected and treated their skin cancer. For information, visit SpotSkinCancer.org.