Researchers have found a dangerous link between breast cancer and melanoma. In a recent study, statistics show that women diagnosed with breast cancer appear to have an increased risk of melanoma, particularly during the first year following diagnosis of the breast tumor.

"A woman with breast cancer should be considered at high risk for melanoma, and should be monitored very closely," reported Dr. Rony Weitzen, Institute of Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, in Tel Hashomer, Israel. Out of 51,000 female breast cancer patients in Israel between 1960 and 2000, 276 were reported to have melanoma, most of them within the year of their breast cancer diagnosis.

Although the reason for this correlation is unknown at this time, Dr. Weitzen hypothesized the link might reflect treatment effects, or changes in hormone cycles following breast cancer therapy. Whatever the reason, there are preventative actions you can take to protect yourself from melanoma.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, kills more young women than any other cancer. It is now the most common cancer in young women aged 25-29, second only to breast cancer in women aged 30-34.

Similar to breast cancer, the best way to detect melanoma is with a monthly self-exam. Examine your skin from head-to-toe, and be alert to suspicious-looking moles. Below, the Skin Cancer Foundation shows you what to look for in the ABCDEs of melanoma:

• Asymmetry. Most early melanomas are asymmetrical. Common moles are round and symmetrical.

• Border. The borders of early melanomas are often uneven and may have scalloped or notched edges. Common moles have smoother, more even borders.

• Color. Common moles usually are single shades of brown. Varied shades of brown, tan, or black are often the first sign of melanoma. As melanomas progress, the colors red, white and blue may appear.

• Diameter. Early melanomas tend to grow larger than common moles — generally to at least the size of a pencil eraser.

• Evolving. Look for moles that change in size, shape or color. Moles that change over a period of time are a common warning sign for melanoma.

For more information about how to conduct a complete self-exam, visit www.skincancer.org.

In addition to monthly self-exams, the Foundation recommends taking the following precautions to protect yourself from skin cancer:

• Have a professional skin examination once every year.

• Protect yourself from the sun by applying a broad spectrum SPF 15+ sunscreen daily.

• Seek the shade, especially during the sun¡?s peak hours, between 10 am and 4 pm.

• Wear protective clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.

The Skin Cancer Foundation is the only national and international organization concerned exclusively with the world’s most common malignancy — cancer of the skin. The mission of this nonprofit organization is to increase public and professional awareness about the prevention, detection, and treatment of skin cancer.

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