Melanoma Prevention

Check Your Skin

Research has shown that patients, not doctors, are most likely to spot a melanoma. This data reinforces the importance of thoroughly checking your skin each month. Early detection could save your life.

The MRF has created an awareness piece aimed at educating the public on the importance of self skin exams.  You can view the Who is Most Likely to Spot Your Melanoma? mirrored booklet and can request free copies by emailing education@melanoma.org.

The ABCDE’s of melanoma should be followed as guidelines and ANY suspicious mole or lesion should be brought to the immediate attention of a dermatologist. This is especially true if you notice any changes in a mole or lesion, including (but not limited to): bleeding, itching, and changes in color or size. The “Ugly Duckling” theory can also be applied – look for spots that are new, changing, unusual or different from other spots on your body.

Learn more details on how to thoroughly check your skin.

Practice Safe Sun

Approximately 65 percent of melanomas—the most deadly form of skin cancer and one of the fastest growing cancers in the United States—are attributed to ultraviolet (UV) exposure from sunlight or artificial sources such as tanning beds.

Although melanoma may develop in parts of your body that are not exposed to the sun, the Melanoma Research Foundation recommends the following sun safety practices for all skin types to help prevent melanoma and other skin cancers:

Generously apply sunscreen to all exposed skin—even on cloudy days—year-round.

• Be sure to use a sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays and has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Look for ingredients in your sunscreen such as titanium dioxide and mexoryl, which block UVA rays better.
• Use enough sunscreen. To protect your entire body, use approximately an ounce of sunscreen (about a full shot glass) and apply it at least 20 minutes before sun exposure.
• Re-apply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming or sweating, even if the bottle says it’s waterproof or long lasting.
• Remember, wearing sunscreen is not a blank check for spending unlimited time in the sun. Sunscreen is just one component of sun safety.

Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, when possible.

Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun’s rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Use extra caution near water, snow and sand, as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.

Do not burn. Severe sunburns, especially during childhood, increase your risk of developing melanoma and other skin cancer. Just one blistering sunburn can double your chances of developing melanoma later in life.

Avoid intentional tanning and indoor tanning beds. Current research indicates there is no way to get a tan through ultraviolet exposure without increasing the risk for skin cancer.

Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that includes vitamin supplements. Don’t seek the sun.

Be aware of medications that can increase your sensitivity to sunlight. Certain prescription and over-the-counter drugs have the ability to make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.

View the MRF’s 5 Facts About Tanning and Sun Safety poster and request copies at education@melanoma.org.