Melanoma Monday: Know the Warning Signs
The first Monday of May is your reminder to check your skin.
Having more than five sunburns doubles melanoma risk; one blistering childhood burn more than doubles lifetime risk.
Caught early and localized, melanoma has a 5-year relative survival rate near 100% (SEER).
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get a skin check?
Examine your own skin about monthly, and see a dermatologist for a professional check at least yearly — more often if you have many moles, fair skin, a history of sunburns or skin cancer, or a family history. Early detection makes melanoma highly treatable.
What does the ABCDE mole rule mean?
ABCDE is a checklist for spotting possible melanoma: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter greater than about 6 mm (a pencil eraser), and Evolving size, shape or color. Any mole meeting these — or simply changing — warrants a dermatologist's evaluation.
How many sunburns increase skin cancer risk?
Risk rises with cumulative burns: research links five or more sunburns to roughly double the risk of melanoma, and even one blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles lifetime risk. Preventing burns at every age meaningfully lowers risk.
r/SkincareAddiction: 'When should I see a dermatologist about a changing mole?'
Sources & citations
- AIM at Melanoma Foundation, sunburn risk data
- aimatmelanoma.org ↗