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Ocular Melanoma Awareness Month
Ocular Melanoma Awareness Month
May 1, 2029
May is Ocular Melanoma Awareness Month
Ocular Melanoma Awareness Month is observed during the month of May. In addition, as part of Melanoma Awareness Month, the Ocular Melanoma Foundation supports annual Eye Patch Days. Eye Patch Days increase awareness of ocular melanoma and the need for dilated eye exams. For this reason, wear a black and navy pin to support Ocular Melanoma Awareness Month in May. Personalized Cause offers black and navy pins in both a non-personalized and personalized version. Engrave your pin to show support, raise awareness, and call attention to this important awareness month.
Wear A Black and Navy Pin for Ocular Melanoma
Although rare, ocular (uveal) melanoma is the most common primary cancer of the eye in adults. There are an estimated 2,000 – 3,000 new cases in the United States each year. This type of melanoma develops in the pigmented cells in the iris, ciliary body, and/or choroid, tissues which are collectively referred to as the uveal. Ocular (uveal) melanoma occurs most often in those age 55 or older who have light skin and light eyes. But, it can occur in all races and at any age.
Because the tumor can grow and spread rapidly to other parts of the body (metastasize), which can be fatal, early detection is critical. Most patients do not experience any symptoms, and cases are typically identified through a routine dilated eye exam.
Treatment of Ocular Melanoma
Currently, there is no cure for ocular (uveal) melanoma. The goal of treatment is to prevent the disease from metastasizing, and the most common approach is a form of radiation therapy called plaque brachytherapy. A small disc-shaped shield known as a plaque encases radioactive seeds on one side and is covered with a thin sheet of gold on the other. It is surgically attached to the outside surface of the eye, over the tumor. The gold protects the surrounding areas of the body from radiation damage. The plaque is left in place for several days, allowing the radiation to treat the tumor. Once complete, it is then removed, and no radioactive material remains on or within the patient.
The Importance of Genetic Analysis
In addition to plaque brachytherapy, genetic analysis of the tumor helps ocular melanoma physicians determine a patient’s specific risk for metastatic disease. It also helps them create a customized schedule for ongoing screening and surveillance to detect any changes as early as possible. This genetic analysis is performed through a fine needle aspiration biopsy of the patient’s tumor at the time of plaque treatment.
Ocular Melanoma Risk Factors
It is unclear exactly how and why someone gets Ocular Melanoma. Currently, there is no way to prevent it. The majority of OM is thought to occur by chance (often referred to as sporadic), and everyone is at some risk of developing eye cancer. The genes that control growth in uveal cells obtain a mistake or become missing altogether.
Certain risk factors including eye (iris) color, skin color, ancestry, tanning ability, and a family history of ocular melanoma can predispose an individual to OM. The American Academy of Ophthalmology states that these factors may increase risk for developing melanoma. Thus, reducing, for instance, UV exposure reduces your risks for developing melanoma in your eye.
Ocular Melanoma Risk Factors Include:
- Being exposed to natural sunlight or artificial sunlight over long periods of time.
- Having light-colored eyes (blue or green eyes).
- Older age.
- Caucasian descent.
- Having certain inherited skin conditions, such as dysplastic nevus syndrome, that cause abnormal moles.
- Having abnormal skin pigmentation involving the eyelids and increased pigmentation on the uveal.
Strategies for Prevention and Early Detection
Reduce UV Exposure: When it comes to UV exposure, one should always wear UV-protective sunglasses whenever outdoors. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) light can be very harmful to your eyes. Good sunglasses should block 100% of the sun’s UV spectrum. And, add a broad-brimmed hat. Beyond reducing your risk of more common eye diseases including cataracts, macular degeneration and growths on the eye, there is enough data to support the fact that you are reducing your overall eye cancer risk, too.
Stay Active and Exercise Regularly: While no major studies have been conducted looking specifically at the role of physical activity on ocular melanoma patients, there is an inverse relationship between physical activity and risk of cancer. The most physically active individuals experience, on average, 20 to 80 percent reductions in risk.
Eat Right: Each year, about 585,720 Americans die of cancer. Around one-third of these deaths are linked to poor diet, physical inactivity, and carrying too much weight. So, in addition to staying active and exercising to maintain a healthy weight throughout life, diet is the next most important thing to focus on (other than quitting smoking). Eat smart and focus your diet away from sugars and toward fruits and vegetables. Processed foods, red meat, and alcohol should all be limited, too.
