What to Know About Melanoma

There’s something about being out in the sun that just feels good. Whether it’s a walk around the neighborhood, sitting outside with your morning coffee or watching the kids or grandkids play, these are the moments we don’t think twice about. However, it’s easy to overlook how much sun exposure your skin is getting.

Most of us think about sun protection when we know we’ll be outside for a while. However, the everyday exposure you get while running errands, sitting near a window or spending short bursts of time outdoors can add up more than we realize. It’s also easy to assume you’re protected on cloudy days, but UV rays can still pass through cloud cover and reach your skin.

Over time, that exposure can increase the risk of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.

Why Melanoma Is Different

Melanoma starts in the cells that give your skin its color, called melanocytes. While that may sound similar to other types of skin cancer, melanoma behaves differently in ways that make it more serious.

What sets melanoma apart is how quickly it can grow and how easily it can spread to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes and internal organs. That ability to spread, sometimes before it becomes obvious on the skin, is what makes early detection so important.

When melanoma is found before it spreads, it’s highly treatable. In fact, the five-year survival rate for early-stage melanoma is about 99 percent. At this stage, treatment is often straightforward and focused on removing the affected area.

Once melanoma spreads beyond the skin, treatment becomes more complex and may involve additional therapies, such as immunotherapy, targeted therapy or radiation. Outcomes at that point are less predictable, which is why recognizing changes early can make such a meaningful difference.

It Doesn’t Always Look the Way You Expect

Many people expect melanoma to appear dark, raised and irregular. While that can be the case, it does not always look that way. Melanoma can show up as a new spot or develop from an existing mole. It might be dark brown or black, but it also can be tan, red, pink or even nearly colorless. That’s what makes it easy to miss.

Instead of focusing on one specific look, it’s more helpful to pay attention to change.

A simple way to do that is the ABCDE rule:

• Asymmetry: One side doesn’t match the other
• Border: Edges look uneven or blurred
• Color: More than one shade in the same spot
• Diameter: Larger than about a pencil eraser (though melanomas can be smaller)
• Evolving: Any change in size, shape, color or how it feels

That last one--evolving—often is often the biggest red flag. If something is changing, it’s worth having it checked.

Your Skin Keeps Score

Here’s something many people don’t realize: just one blistering sunburn during childhood can increase your risk of melanoma later in life. Five or more sunburns doubles the risk for melanoma. That’s because sunburn isn’t just surface damage—it reflects changes to the DNA in your skin cells.

Over time, repeated ultraviolet (UV) exposure, whether it leads to burns or not, can build up and increase the chance of those cells changing in ways they shouldn’t.

Additionally, it’s not just the sun. Tanning beds expose the skin to concentrated UV radiation and are linked to a higher risk of melanoma, especially when used at a younger age.

The takeaway isn’t to feel guilty about the past. It’s to recognize that what you do now still matters.

Who Should Be Paying Extra Attention?

Melanoma can affect anyone, but some people are at higher risk. You may want to be especially mindful if you:

• Have fair skin, light hair or light eyes
• Are older
• Have a history of sunburns
• Have a large number of moles or unusual-looking moles
• Are male
• Have a personal or family history of skin cancer
• Have a weakened immune system
• Have used tanning beds

One thing that often surprises people is where melanoma can show up. It’s not limited to sun-exposed areas. It can develop on your back, scalp, under your nails or even on the soles of your feet.

Protecting Your Skin Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

You don’t have to avoid the outdoors to protect your skin. It’s more about building small habits year-round that become second nature.

Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is one of the simplest and most effective steps. It helps protect against both UVA rays, which contribute to aging and long-term damage, and UVB rays, which cause sunburn. Using about a shot glassful of sunscreen (1.5 ounces) and reapplying every two hours, especially if you’re swimming or sweating, helps maintain that protection.

Clothing can do a lot of the work for you, too. Hats, sunglasses and lightweight long sleeves add an extra layer of protection with minimal effort.

And when you can, taking a break in the shade during peak sun hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., helps reduce overall exposure.

Getting to Know Your Skin

One of the most helpful things you can do is simply become familiar with your own skin. That way, when something changes, you notice.

A quick monthly check can go a long way. Look for anything new, anything changing or anything that just doesn’t seem quite right. Use a mirror or ask someone you trust to help check areas that are harder to see. If something catches your attention, don’t ignore it.

In many cases, it turns out to be nothing serious. However, if it needs attention, catching it quickly can make all the difference.

What a Skin Check Really Looks Like

For many people, the idea of a skin check can feel a little uncertain. What happens? Do you need to prepare? Is it uncomfortable? The reality is, it’s usually much simpler than people expect.

A professional skin exam is a visual check of your skin from head to toe. A healthcare provider will look at moles, spots and any areas you’re concerned about, often using a special light or magnifying tool to see more clearly.

You may be asked about your history, including past sunburns, tanning bed use, a family history of skin cancer or any recent changes you’ve noticed.

If a spot stands out, the provider may recommend monitoring it over time or doing a biopsy. A biopsy involves removing a small sample of skin for closer examination. It’s typically done with local numbing and is a quick, in-office procedure.

Often, the visit is simply reassurance, with nothing concerning found.

What You Can Do Before Your Appointment

You don’t need to do much to prepare, but a few small steps can make your visit more helpful.

Take note of any new spots, changes or differences from others. If possible, avoid wearing makeup or nail polish so all areas can be easily checked. Also, wearing clothing that’s easy to put on and take off can make the visit smoother.

If you’ve noticed something specific, don’t worry about having the “right words” to describe it. Just point it out. That’s more than enough.

How Often Should You Get Checked?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but a general guideline is:

• An annual skin exam is a good idea for anyone who has risk factors.
• Everyone at average risk should get checked every two to three years.
• If you notice a spot that’s changing, unusual or not healing, it’s worth getting it checked sooner.
• Your provider may recommend a different schedule based on your personal history.
• And between visits, those quick monthly self-checks can help you stay aware of any changes.

Paying Attention Makes a Difference

Many people put off skin checks because they’re unsure what to expect or worry about overreacting. In reality, having something looked at is simply part of taking care of yourself and your long-term health. Melanoma is serious, but it is also one of the few cancers you can often see. That gives you a meaningful opportunity to notice changes and take action sooner rather than later.

Paying attention to your skin, asking questions and scheduling a check when something doesn’t feel right are small, manageable steps that can add up over time. You do not have to be perfect about sun protection or monitoring every detail. However, being more aware of your skin and how it changes can help you feel more confident in knowing when to seek care. When it comes to melanoma, that awareness can make a real difference, especially when it leads to early detection, which offers more treatment options and more favorable outcomes.