May is Melanoma Awareness Month, and it marks the unofficial start to the warmer summer months. It’s a perfect time of year to highlight the importance of melanoma prevention, and raise awareness around sun safety and protecting you and your loved ones’ skin.
James Merrick
Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF)
According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States and melanoma specifically is the most common form of skin cancer. In 2024, there were over 200,000 newly diagnosed patients with melanoma with an estimated 8,290 Americans dying from this cancer. Overwhelmingly, younger Americans are being diagnosed with melanoma at alarming rates.
Some good news: Over 90% of cutaneous (skin) melanomas are considered preventable and, when caught early, cutaneous melanoma is highly treatable. It’s important to learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones from this disease.
Knowing what to look for and performing regular self-skin exams may help you become more aware of a mole that changes, a sore that just won’t heal, or a new lump. If you find a spot that has one or more of the ABCDE’s, make an appointment with a doctor to have it evaluated, preferably by a board-certified medical oncologist.
So, what are the ABCDE’s of melanoma?
- A – Asymmetry
- B – Border
- C – Color
- D – Diameter
- E – Evolution
Learn more about the ABCDE’s of melanoma and what to look out for through the Melanoma Research Foundation’s The More You MelaKNOWma Brochure.
Melanoma prevention – skin protection tips for all year round
- Daily sunscreen usage: A broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is recommended for daily use. Broad-spectrum protects against both UVA and UVB radiation. The “A” in UVA protects against “skin aging” and the “B” in UVB protects against sunburn. Sunscreen should be used year-round, even on days when there’s little sun. Remember that the best sunscreen is the one you will use every day! Click here for more information on proper sunscreen usage.
- Wear UPF protective clothing: In addition to sunscreen, whenever outdoors, be sure to wear UPF protective clothing alongside a long-sleeved shirt, pants, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat when possible.
- Seek shade: The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. When possible, seek and stay in the shade and think about using an umbrella.
- Avoid tanning beds: Tanning beds emit UVA and UVB rays directly to the skin. Too much exposure to UV rays from the sun or tanning beds cause as much as 90% of melanomas. Tanning bed usage before age 35 increases your chances of melanoma by 75%.
- Monthly self-skin checks and annual dermatological skin checks:Get familiar with your skin. Every month, perform self-skin exams according to the ABCDEs of melanoma as a reference. And make sure to include an annual board-certified dermatological skin check in your annual wellness visits. Prevention and early detection are key!
In an effort to encourage all Americans to embrace sun-safe practices and spread awareness around the importance of annual dermatological skin checks, the MRF enacted the Melanoma Awareness Month campaign known as #GetNaked. You can engage with the melanoma prevention digital content during the month of May and all year-round by following the MRF across its social media channels (@CureMelanoma).
To learn more, visit www.melanoma.org and review the Melanoma Research Foundation’s free educational literature around melanoma prevention and awareness, early detection, treatment, diagnosis and resources for patients and caregivers through its Educational Institute at Education Institute – Melanoma Research Foundation.
