WHAT IS MELANOMA?
Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that starts in the cells that give your skin color. While it is not the most common type of skin cancer, it is the most dangerous because it can invade other parts of the body.
WHY IS MELANOMA IMPORTANT?
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Melanoma makes up only about 1% of all skin cancers, but it causes the most skin cancer deaths.
About 90% of melanomas are linked to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or indoor tanning beds, and even short periods of unprotected sun exposure can increase risk.
Severe sunburns—especially during childhood and the teenage years—can significantly raise the risk of melanoma later in life, with five or more blistering sunburns between ages 15 and 20 increasing risk by up to 80%.
KEEPING YOUR SKIN HEALTHY AND SAFE
Protecting your skin starts with understanding that UV rays can damage skin cells. Over time, this damage can lead to early aging and increase the chance of skin cancer. Sun protection is important all year long. UV rays can pass through clouds and reflect off water, sand and even snow.
Simple steps can help protect your skin every day:
● Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily—even on cloudy days.
● Reapply every two hours when outdoors, and after swimming or sweating.
● Wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves, long pants, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses that block UV rays.
● Seek shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest.
● Avoid tanning beds. Using indoor tanning devices, especially before age 30, greatly increases the risk of melanoma.
EARLY DETECTION AND SKIN CHECKS
Checking your skin regularly and seeing a healthcare provider can help spot problems early and improve treatment success.
Remember the ABCDEs of melanoma when looking at moles or spots:
● Asymmetry (one half looks different than the other)
● Border irregularity (edges are uneven or blurred)
● Color changes or multiple colors
● Diameter larger than a pencil eraser
● Evolving (changes in size, shape or color)
If you notice any of these signs, contact a healthcare provider.
Melanoma is a serious but often preventable cancer, and protective habits can greatly reduce your risk.
As both a mom and a nurse practitioner, I know how important it is to protect children from risks they may not understand. Many health problems don’t just happen overnight. Over time, small exposures can add up. That’s why prevention is so important, and it starts early. It’s not just about today—it’s about our futures.
Visit montgomerycancercenter.com to learn about cancer screenings and outreach events
