Melanoma is one of the most common forms of skin cancer and one of the most serious. Every time we step outside and expose ourselves to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, we put ourselves at risk for developing this potentially life-threatening condition. While May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, it’s important to understand that melanoma prevention and awareness are year-round efforts. In fact, the first Monday of May is known as Melanoma Monday, a day dedicated to raising awareness about melanoma and encouraging people to take proactive steps to protect their skin.
Here’s what you need to know about melanoma—what to look for, how to prevent it, and the importance of early detection.
What is Melanoma?
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that originates in the melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives our skin its color. When these cells become damaged, often due to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds, they can mutate and grow uncontrollably, forming cancerous tumors.
Although melanoma accounts for only about 1% of all skin cancers, it is responsible for the majority of skin cancer deaths due to its ability to spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, and brain. It is essential to catch melanoma in its early stages, as it is highly treatable when detected early.
Risk Factors for Melanoma
Anyone can develop melanoma, but certain factors increase the risk. These include:
- Excessive Sun Exposure: Prolonged exposure to UV radiation from the sun, particularly without protection, increases the risk of melanoma. This is especially true for those who have experienced severe sunburns during childhood or adolescence.
- Tanning Beds: Artificial UV radiation from tanning beds significantly raises the risk of developing melanoma. In fact, using tanning beds before the age of 35 increases the risk by 75%.
- Fair Skin, Light Hair, and Light Eyes: People with fair skin, blonde or red hair, and blue or green eyes are at higher risk because they have less melanin to protect their skin from UV damage.
- Family History: Having a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, with melanoma increases the likelihood of developing the disease.
- Multiple Moles or Atypical Moles: People with a large number of moles or atypical moles (known as dysplastic nevi) are at greater risk of melanoma.
- Weakened Immune System: Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those who have had organ transplants or are undergoing chemotherapy, are more susceptible to melanoma.
What to Look For: The ABCDEs of Melanoma
Melanoma often begins as a mole or dark spot on the skin. While most moles are harmless, it’s important to regularly check your skin for any changes, as early detection is key to successful treatment. The ABCDE rule is a helpful guide for spotting warning signs of melanoma:
- A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other half in shape, size, or color.
- B – Border: Melanomas often have uneven, irregular, or blurred borders, unlike benign moles with smooth, well-defined edges.
- C – Color: Watch for moles with multiple colors or uneven shading. Melanomas may appear brown, black, tan, red, white, or even blue.
- D – Diameter: Melanomas are usually larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser), although they can be smaller when first detected.
- E – Evolving: Any mole or spot that changes in size, shape, color, or texture, or begins to bleed, itch, or become painful, should be examined by a dermatologist.
It’s important to perform monthly self-examinations and schedule annual skin checks with a dermatologist, especially if you fall into any of the high-risk categories mentioned earlier.
Prevention: Protect Your Skin
Prevention is the best way to protect yourself from melanoma and other skin cancers. Here are some important steps to take:
1. Use Sunscreen Daily
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours, especially if you’re swimming or sweating. Don’t forget commonly overlooked areas like the ears, neck, and tops of feet.
2. Seek Shade
Whenever possible, seek shade between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are the strongest. If you’re spending time outdoors, consider using an umbrella or wide-brimmed hat for added protection.
3. Wear Protective Clothing
Wear long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses with UV protection to shield your skin and eyes from harmful rays.
4. Avoid Tanning Beds
Steer clear of tanning beds altogether. The UV radiation emitted from these devices is just as harmful—if not more so—than direct sunlight.
5. Be Cautious of Medications
Some medications, such as antibiotics or acne treatments, can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. If you’re taking any such medications, take extra precautions to protect your skin.
Treatment Options
If melanoma is detected early, it is highly treatable. The most common treatment is surgical excision, where the tumor is removed along with a margin of healthy skin. For more advanced cases, additional treatments may include:
- Immunotherapy: This treatment boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells.
- Targeted Therapy: Drugs that specifically target genetic mutations in melanoma cells, helping to stop the cancer’s growth.
- Chemotherapy: While less commonly used today, chemotherapy may be an option for certain advanced cases.
- Radiation Therapy: Radiation can help control melanoma that has spread to other parts of the body.
Early detection and prompt treatment are critical to improving survival rates. Stage I melanoma has a 99% five-year survival rate, but this drops significantly if the cancer is not caught early.
Conclusion: Take Action Now
Melanoma is a serious but preventable form of cancer, and the key to reducing your risk is knowledge and awareness. As Melanoma Monday and Skin Cancer Awareness Month remind us, it’s essential to protect your skin from harmful UV radiation and to regularly check your body for any suspicious moles or changes in your skin.
By taking preventive measures, practicing sun safety, and scheduling regular dermatological exams, you can significantly reduce your risk of melanoma. Remember, early detection saves lives, so be proactive about your skin health and encourage those around you to do the same.