Skin Cancer Awareness Month: What You Need to Know About Melanoma

Dermatologist examining patient in clinic

Skin Cancer Awareness Month: What You Need to Know About Melanoma

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the most common type of cancer in the United States—skin cancer. Among the various types, melanoma is the most dangerous due to its ability to spread to other parts of the body if not detected early. The good news? With education, early detection, and proactive skin care, skin cancer—including melanoma—is often preventable and highly treatable.

Understanding Melanoma

Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that begins in melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment (melanin) in your skin. Unlike other forms of skin cancer, melanoma is more likely to grow quickly and metastasize if left untreated. While it accounts for only about 1% of skin cancer cases, it is responsible for the majority of skin cancer-related deaths.

According to the American Cancer Society, about 100,000 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed this year in the U.S. alone. These numbers highlight the importance of awareness, education, and early detection.

The ABCDEs of Melanoma

Early detection starts with knowing what to look for. Dermatologists and dermatology providers use the ABCDE rule to help identify the warning signs of melanoma:

A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole or spot doesn’t match the other.
B – Border: Edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.
C – Color: Uneven color or multiple shades—brown, black, pink, red, white, or blue.
D – Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser), though melanomas can be smaller.
E – Evolving: The spot changes in size, shape, color, or begins to bleed or itch.

If a mole or skin lesion exhibits one or more of these features, it’s time to get it checked.

How to Spot Something Suspicious

Performing regular self-examinations can help catch skin changes early. Here’s how:

Check your entire body in a well-lit room, using a full-length mirror and a hand mirror for hard-to-see areas.
Don’t forget often-overlooked spots like the scalp, behind the ears, the soles of your feet, and between your toes.
Look for any new moles or growths, or changes in existing ones using the ABCDEs.

Perform these checks monthly, and document anything suspicious with photos so you can track changes over time.

When It’s Time to See a Dermatologist

It’s important to see a dermatologist or dermatology provider immediately if you notice:

A mole or spot that’s new or changing
A sore that doesn’t heal
A lesion that itches, bleeds, or becomes tender

Dermatology providers can perform a thorough skin check and, if necessary, take a biopsy to determine if the lesion is cancerous. Regular check-ins with a dermatology provider are crucial for anyone at increased risk, including those with fair skin, a family history of melanoma, or excessive sun exposure.

Importance of Annual Skin Exams

While self-exams are valuable, they’re not a substitute for professional evaluations. Annual skin exams with a dermatologist can detect skin cancer in its earliest stages—when it’s most treatable. These exams also give patients an opportunity to learn about their specific skin type, personalized sun protection strategies, and skin cancer prevention.

Skin cancer, especially melanoma, can be life-threatening—but it’s also one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when caught early. During Skin Cancer Awareness Month and all year long, we encourage everyone to: