~ Submitted by the Bedford Board of Health
Today, May 27, is National Don’t Fry Day, a day to focus on staying safe in the sun and promote awareness about Melanoma. 
According to “IMPACT Melanoma”, melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that starts when abnormal or damaged cells in the body begin to grow and replicate at an uncontrolled rate. These newly formed cancer cells create dark mole-like spots which can grow deep into the skin, become painful sores, or invade other organs in the body.
It is important to remember that melanomas can form anywhere including eyes, scalp, nails, and mouth but are most commonly found on the skin. Melanoma is the second most common form of diagnosed cancer among young adults ages 15-29 and continues to increase in likeliness.
When melanomas are detected early, there is a high chance that they can be safely treated without major health impacts.
To Reduce Melanoma Risk
The most effective way to reduce melanoma risk is to protect skin from the sun between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm and wear sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and offers at least SPF 30.
The Town of Bedford offers free sunscreen dispensers at 4 locations across town!
- Town center playground on Mudge Way
- Depot Park 120 South Road
- Springs Book Park
- Bedford High School track and field
Check the “ABCDE” self-exam for detecting melanomas: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/find/at- risk/abcdes
For more information about Melanoma
- https://impactmelanoma.org/learn-about-melanoma/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/skin- cancer/multimedia/skin-cancer-infographic/ifg-20441507
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/melanoma-skin-cancer/causes- risks-prevention/risk-factors.html
For any additional questions please contact the Bedford Health department at https://www.bedfordma.gov/health-department or call (781) 275-6507
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