Early detection of melanoma saves lives
By Heather Shoning
THERE’S A PERSISTENT MYTH that melanoma is simply the price of a life well lived outdoors—a few too many beach vacations, afternoons on the golf course, or weekends spent hiking under blue skies. In reality, melanoma is a complex and potentially life-threatening cancer that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or skin tone.
As the deadliest form of skin cancer, melanoma deserves respect—but not fear. Advances in research, improved public awareness, and earlier diagnosis have dramatically improved outcomes, making education one of the most powerful tools available.
According to information provided by the Melanoma Research Foundation, more than 234,000 people in the United States are expected to receive a melanoma diagnosis in 2026, with nearly 93 percent of melanomas believed to be linked to ultraviolet (UV) exposure from sunlight or artificial sources such as tanning beds.
MORE THAN A SKIN CONDITION
Melanoma begins in melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing pigment in the skin. While many cases develop on sun-exposed areas, melanoma can also appear in unexpected places—including beneath fingernails or toenails, on the soles of the feet, inside the mouth, and even in the eyes.
The disease does not discriminate. Although lifetime risk varies among different populations, melanoma affects people of every race, age, and gender. The Melanoma Research Foundation notes that even children and young adults can develop the disease, underscoring the importance of vigilance at every stage of life.
Fortunately, early detection can make an extraordinary difference. When identified before it spreads, melanoma is highly treatable, with survival rates exceeding 99 percent for localized disease.
PREVENTION STARTS WITH DAILY HABITS
Unlike many cancers, a significant percentage of melanoma cases may be preventable through consistent sun protection.
Dermatologists recommend applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day—not just at the beach or pool—and reapplying it every two hours when outdoors or after swimming or sweating. Sunscreen should be applied about 15 minutes before going outinto the sun and used generously, with approximately one ounce covering the body of an average adult.
Protective clothing is equally important. Long sleeves, pants, UV-blocking sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats create physical barriers against harmful rays, while seeking shade during peak hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. further reduces UV contact.
Indoor tanning deserves special attention as well. Exposure to tanning beds before age 35 increases melanoma risk by 75 percent, and frequent users are many times more likely to develop the disease than those who never tan indoors.
Even a single blistering sunburn during childhood or adolescence can more than double the likelihood of developing melanoma later in life.
BECOME FAMILIAR WITH YOUR SKIN
One of the most effective habits is also one of the simplest: paying attention. Monthly self-examinations help establish a baseline, making changes easier to recognize. The widely used ABCDE guide encourages people to watch for moles that are asymmetrical, have irregular borders, display multiple colors, exceed roughly six millimeters in diameter, or continue to evolve over time. However, experts also emphasize that not every melanoma follows these rules.
Other warning signs include an itchy or bleeding mole, redness around a lesion, a dark streak beneath a nail, or a spot that simply looks different from everything else on your body—the so-called “ugly duckling” sign. Any suspicious change warrants prompt evaluation by a board-certified dermatologist.
DRIVING RESEARCH—AND HOPE
Alongside prevention and early detection efforts, organizations such as the Melanoma Research Foundation are helping accelerate progress in treatment, education, and patient advocacy.
Founded in 1996, the nonprofit supports medical research aimed at better therapies and cures while also providing education, resources, and community programs for patients and families navigating a melanoma diagnosis. The foundation works with researchers, clinicians, and advocates to increase public knowledge, expand access to care, and advance scientific discoveries that continue to improve outcomes for those affected by the disease.
The encouraging news is that treatment options have evolved dramatically over the past two decades, particularly through advances in immunotherapy and targeted therapies. These innovations have transformed melanoma from one of the most feared skin cancers into one where many patients—especially those diagnosed early—have excellent prospects.
A LIFELONG INVESTMENT
Sun protection should not be reserved for vacations or summer weekends. Whether walking the dog, gardening, skiing at altitude, or driving with the windows down, cumulative UV exposure adds up over a lifetime.
The simplest routines—applying sunscreen before leaving the house, wearing a hat during outdoor activities, and taking a few minutes each month to examine your skin—can have lasting consequences.
When it comes to melanoma, vigilance is not about anxiety. It is about giving yourself the best possible chance to catch a problem early—or avoid it altogether.
KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS
The ABCDEs of Melanoma
A — Asymmetry: One half of a mole doesn’t match the other.
B — Border: Edges are irregular, ragged, or poorly defined.
C — Color: Multiple shades or uneven coloring appear within the same spot.
D — Diameter: Larger than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser), though melanomas can be smaller.
E — Evolution: Any change in size, shape, color, or symptoms deserves attention.
Don’t Ignore These Red Flags
• A mole that itches, bleeds, or becomes tender
• Redness or swelling around a mole
• A dark streak beneath a fingernail or toenail
• A spot that simply looks different from your other moles (“the ugly duckling” sign)
Four Smart Sun Habits
• Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily and reapply every two hours outdoors.
• Wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
• Seek shade whenever possible, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Skip tanning beds altogether. Indoor tanning before age 35 significantly increases melanoma risk.
When in Doubt
If you notice a changing or unusual lesion, schedule an evaluation with a board-certified dermatologist. Early detection dramatically improves outcomes.
