WHEELING -- May is National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, and Wheeling Hospital cancer specialists are reminding the public of the importance of skin protection and recognizing the symptoms of melanoma.

Through its Cutaneous Malignancy Program, Wheeling Hospital treats patients with all types of skin cancer, and the specialists say many skin cancers can be prevented.

“Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. But most melanomas can be treated successfully if they are detected early enough,” said Jayme Nardo, a nurse and clinical studies coordinator with the Cutaneous Malignancy Program.

It begins in cells called melanocytes, which produce skin color. Since most pigment cells are in the skin, most melanomas start there. However, they can also occur in the eye and, more rarely, in the membranes of the nasal passage, oral, pharyngeal mucosa, vaginal and anal mucosa.

Some “birthmarks” can also develop into melanoma.

“If melanoma is not detected at an early stage, it can spread to other parts of the body. It is potentially a lethal form of cancer,” Harmony Mayle, a clinical research nurse with the Cutaneous Malignancy Program, said.

Several risk factors come into play with melanoma. At great risk are:

- Those diagnosed with five or more abnormal or atypical moles. - Those with more than 50 ordinary moles. - People with fair skin that burns or freckles easily. - Those with a personal history of melanoma or skin cancer. - People with a family history of melanoma. - Those with weakened immune systems. - Those with at least one severe, blistering sunburn.

There are several rules for basic sun protection:

- Avoid overexposure to summer sunlight from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Seek shade whenever possible. - Wear UV sun-protective clothing. - Wear a broad-brimmed hat to protect eyes, face and neck. - Protect eyes with side-paneled or wraparound-designed UV-protective sunglasses to prevent cataracts and sun damage to the back of the eyes. - Use sunscreen, SPF-30, and reapply liberally every 30 minutes when out in the sun. - Avoid tanning beds.

For more information, call (304) 243-3188 or (304) 243-3687.