Being pregnant subjects women to numerous health risks. In a new study from Cleveland Clinic, experts found that a severe form of skin cancer is five times deadlier when caught during pregnancy or within a year of giving birth.
Melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer. Unfortunately, it continues to increase among women of child-bearing age.
"We saw significant, worse prognoses and outcomes for women with a pregnancy-associated melanoma, compared to a control group of non-pregnant women," says primary author and plastic surgeon Brian Gastman.
Gastman adds that the differences among the rates of mortality, metastasis and recurrence between the two groups were astounding.
To come up with the findings, the researchers examined data of 462 female patients below 49 years old. All of the subjects were diagnosed with melanoma via positive biopsy tests from 1988 to 2012.
The results of the investigation show that women below 19 years old are less likely to develop invasive melanoma. Meanwhile, the risk for recurrence, metastasis and death were greater among those aged between 40 and 49 years old.
The researchers were able to identify 41 patients with melanomas associated with pregnancy. They discovered that compared to a control group of nonpregnant participants, the pregnant cohort had significantly worse outcomes. Recurrence, metastasis and mortality also increased approximately nine times, seven times and five times more in the pregnant patients, respectively.
Gastman says they were not able to delve into the mechanism behind their findings. He suggests, however, that pregnancy-related hormonal imbalances or suppressed immune system may aid tumor growth.
The authors now advise women to be vigilant in detecting skin changes, especially those who are pregnant and are known to have a high risk. Patients must consult their dermatologists regularly for appropriate and adequate care.
"The increasing incidence of melanoma for women younger than 50 years suggests that regular skin checks and self-examinations are warranted," the authors wrote.
Women who have already received a diagnosis of melanoma during pregnancy or within the first year of childbirth should particularly be watchful of skin lesions and be diligent in attending follow-ups.
The most common risk factor of all skin cancers including melanoma is exposure to the sun's ultraviolet radiation. The American Academy of Dermatology advises wearing protective clothing, staying under the shade and applying water-resistant sunblock with SPF 30 or higher.
The study was published online in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology on Wednesday.
Photo : Daniel Lobo | Flickr
