Melanoma: The Skin Cancer You Shouldn’t Ignore
Melanoma is one of the most dangerous forms of skin cancer. It begins in the melanocytes—cells in the skin that produce pigment. While it’s less common than other skin cancers, melanoma is more likely to spread and become life-threatening if not caught early.
What Causes Melanoma?
Melanoma develops when the DNA in skin cells becomes damaged. The biggest risk factor is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, either from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds.
Other risk factors include:
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Fair skin – People with lighter skin, freckles, or light hair are at higher risk.
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Family history – Having a close relative with melanoma increases your chances.
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Atypical moles – Having many moles or unusual-looking ones can be a warning sign.
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History of sunburn – Just one blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence can increase your risk later in life.
Early Signs: What to Look For
Melanoma often appears as a new mole or a change in an existing mole. The ABCDE rule can help you spot signs early:
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A is for Asymmetry – One half doesn’t match the other.
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B is for Border – Edges are irregular, blurred, or ragged.
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C is for Colour – More than one colour or uneven shades.
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D is for Diameter – Bigger than 6mm, about the size of a pencil eraser.
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E is for Evolving – Any change in shape, size, colour, or symptoms like itching or bleeding.
If you notice any of these signs, book a skin check with your doctor or dermatologist as soon as possible.
Why Early Detection Matters
When melanoma is found early, it can often be treated with a simple surgical procedure. If left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body, making treatment much more difficult and reducing survival rates.
Getting regular skin checks—especially if you have risk factors—is one of the best ways to catch melanoma early.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the stage of the melanoma:
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Early stage: A minor surgery to remove the melanoma and surrounding tissue is usually enough.
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Advanced stage: May require immunotherapy, targeted therapy, chemotherapy, or radiation.
Recent advances in treatments, especially immunotherapy, have significantly improved survival for people with advanced melanoma.
How to Reduce Your Risk
Melanoma is preventable. Here are practical ways to protect yourself:
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Stay out of the sun between 10am and 4pm when UV radiation is strongest.
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Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher—every day, even when it’s cloudy.
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Reapply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
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Wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
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Avoid tanning beds. They are proven to increase your risk of melanoma.
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Check your skin regularly for any new or changing spots.
Final Thoughts
Melanoma is serious, but it’s also highly preventable and treatable when caught early. Know your skin. Protect it. Get regular skin checks. And if something doesn’t look right, don’t wait—get it checked out.
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