May is National Melanoma Awareness Month

National Melanoma Awareness Month is recognized annually. This month-long campaign aims to raise awareness about melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, and to educate people on prevention, early detection, and treatment options. With summer right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to remind ourselves of the importance of skin protection and regular check-ups.

What is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops in the melanocytes—the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. While melanoma accounts for only about 1% of all skin cancers, it causes the majority of skin cancer-related deaths because of its ability to spread to other parts of the body if not caught early. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be over 97,000 new cases of melanoma in the United States this year alone.

Why Awareness Matters

Melanoma is often preventable and, when detected early, highly treatable. But many people are unaware of the risks, signs, and preventative steps they can take. National Melanoma Awareness Month serves as a critical reminder to educate ourselves and our loved ones about the dangers of skin cancer and how to protect against it.

Key Risk Factors for Melanoma

Some people are at a higher risk of developing melanoma, including those with:

Fair skin: People with lighter skin, freckles, or blond/red hair have less melanin, which provides some natural sun protection.
Family history: A close relative with melanoma increases the risk.
Excessive UV exposure: Sunburns and tanning beds significantly increase risk, particularly if sunburns occurred in childhood or adolescence.
Numerous moles or atypical moles: Having many moles or unusual ones, like larger or irregularly shaped moles, can indicate higher risk.

Prevention Tips: Protecting Your Skin

The good news is that melanoma can often be prevented by taking a few simple precautions:

Wear sunscreen: Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
Seek shade: Avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) when UV rays are the strongest.
Wear protective clothing: Cover your skin with long sleeves, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
Avoid tanning beds: Tanning beds expose skin to high levels of UV radiation, which can damage skin cells and increase melanoma risk.
Regular skin checks: Conduct self-exams monthly and look for any new or changing moles. Schedule annual check-ups with a dermatologist, especially if you have risk factors.

Early Detection: Know the ABCDEs of Melanoma

A helpful way to remember signs of melanoma is through the “ABCDEs” of melanoma:

Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other.
Border: Edges are irregular, scalloped, or blurred.
Color: Varies from one area to another, with shades of tan, brown, black, or even white, red, or blue.
Diameter: Melanomas are usually larger than 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser) but can be smaller.
Evolving: Look for moles that change in size, shape, or color, or that become itchy or bleed.

If you notice any of these changes in your moles, schedule an appointment with Bahr Dermatology as soon as possible.