Brandon Blackstock, a highly influential player in the entertainment industry, died on Aug. 7. At the time, he was living in Butte, Montana. He fought courageously against melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer, for more than 3 years. His death was declared a natural cause stemming from this cruel and unheard of disease. Surrounded by his family during his final moments, Blackstock’s passing marks a significant loss for those who knew him and the wider community.
Melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer. It frequently metastasizes to distant sites in the body, complicating the efforts to treat this aggressive disease. The disease is becoming increasingly prevalent. Skin cancer overall remains the most common type of cancer diagnosed in the United States. Given this fact, prevention awareness and early detection are essential.
Understanding Melanoma
Melanoma is more than an individual skin disease, it is about a continuum of skin cancer. It is marked by the malignant proliferation of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. This more serious type of skin cancer can appear in other pigmented areas, such as your moles or birthmarks. If you don’t nip it in the bud, it can start to kill.
A new report published in BMC Cancer shows that melanoma cases continue to increase. It highlights the important part that self-screening habits play in catching this skin cancer early. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) encourages people to perform regular skin self-exams to catch melanoma in its earliest stages. From there, they advise people to use the proven self-examination method called the “ABCDE” technique.
“Look for any moles that are not symmetrical, or where half of the mole doesn’t look like the other half.” – AAD
The “ABCDE” method is a simple way to remember what to look for when examining your moles for any signs of irregularity. This approach aims to pinpoint critical characteristics such as asymmetry, border irregularity, color variation, diameter, and alteration of current moles. In so doing, it hopes to increase the rate of early detection.
The ABCDE Method
The AAD’s “ABCDE” approach provides a clear list of indicators that require additional scrutiny.
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Asymmetry: Individuals should be vigilant for moles that do not exhibit symmetry. A mole that appears different on one side compared to the other could be a cause for concern.
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Border: The borders of a mole should be smooth. Moles with irregular, ragged, or scalloped edges may indicate potential issues.
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Color: Variation in color is another important factor. Moles displaying multiple colors, including shades of red, white, or blue, may require professional evaluation.
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Diameter: A mole larger than 6 millimeters—approximately the size of a pencil eraser—should be monitored closely.
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Evolution: Any changes in moles, such as itching or bleeding, should prompt immediate medical consultation.
“Look for any moles that have changed in any form or have started to itch or bleed.” – AAD
These guidelines are very much needed for anyone who wants to take a proactive approach to their skin health and identify potential problems sooner rather than later.
Legacy and Reflection
Butte-Silver Bow County coroner Dan Hollis confirmed former Deep Creek Ranch owner Brandon Blackstock died due to melanoma. His lengthy battle with cancer makes it more important than ever that we raise awareness. It reinforces the need for education on how to prevent and detect skin cancer.
