May marks Melanoma Awareness Month, a critical time to shed light on one of the most serious forms of skin cancer. Whether you’re passionate about skincare, love spending time outdoors, or simply want to protect your health, understanding melanoma and its warning signs can make all the difference. Early identification and timely treatment save lives.
What Is Melanoma?
Melanoma develops when pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) in the skin grow uncontrollably. While less common than other skin cancers, melanoma is far more aggressive and can spread quickly if not caught early. Fortunately, with increased awareness and regular skin checks, melanoma is highly treatable in its early stages.
Why Melanoma Awareness Matters
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with melanoma accounting for the majority of skin cancer deaths. However, most melanoma cases are preventable, and outcomes are vastly improved with early detection. Knowledge is not just power; it is protection.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Anyone can develop melanoma, but certain factors increase risk:
- A history of intense, intermittent sun exposure (think beach vacations or afternoons on the trail)
- Fair skin, light eyes, and freckles
- A family or personal history of melanoma
- Multiple or atypical moles
- Use of tanning beds
How to Recognize the Warning Signs of Melanoma
Regular self-examination is key. Dermatologists recommend using the “ABCDE” rule to evaluate moles and skin spots:
- Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other.
- Border: Edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred.
- Color: Uneven or multiple colors such as brown, black, tan, red, white, or blue.
- Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser), but melanoma can be smaller.
- Evolving: Any change in size, shape, color, or elevation, or any new symptom such as bleeding, itching, or crusting.
If you notice any of these changes, contact a dermatology specialist promptly. Early diagnosis can dramatically improve your chances of successful treatment.
When to Seek Professional Help
Not every unusual mole or dark spot is melanoma, but any changes should be evaluated by a medical professional. Other warning signs to watch for include:
- A sore that doesn’t heal
- Spreading pigmentation beyond the edge of a mole
- Redness or swelling outside the mole’s border
- Sensations such as tenderness, pain, or itchiness
If you have concerns or have spotted something unusual on your skin, it’s best to err on the side of caution.
Sun Safety Tips to Reduce Your Risk
Prevention remains the best medicine. Protect your skin year-round with these habits:
- Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), even on cloudy days
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming or sweating
- Seek shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Wear protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses
- Perform monthly self-exams and schedule annual skin checks with a dermatologist
Take Action for Your Skin Health
Early detection is lifesaving. If you’re concerned about a new or changing spot on your skin, don’t wait. Trust your instincts, and reach out for expert guidance. Call us at (402) 423-1111 or visit Complete Family Dermatology to schedule an appointment today. Your skin deserves expert attention, and your peace of mind is our priority.
Protect your health by staying informed, vigilant, and proactive—not just during Melanoma Awareness Month, but all year round.
