Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. There is a good chance you will die from it. Although most patients recover. About 94% of melanoma patients are still alive after five years. Survival from melanoma varies by stage. If melanoma is detected and treated at an early stage, the chance of cure is high.
What can you do to avoid getting it?
Protect yourself from excessive exposure to sunlight
- Avoid the sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the rays are at their strongest
- Wear protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses with UV protection
- Apply sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 30 and ‘broad spectrum’ against UVA and UVB rays
- Let your skin get used to the sun and don’t burn
Look for suspicious moles
- Check your skin and moles regularly for changes in color, shape, size or other abnormalities.
- If in doubt, go to the doctor immediately, early detection is crucial
- People with many moles or a familial predisposition have a higher risk and must be extra alert.
Avoid risk factors
- Sunbeds increase the risk significantly
- Some medications and treatments such as light therapy can increase the risk
- People with fair skin, freckles or red hair have a higher risk
By properly protecting yourself from the sun, having suspicious spots checked immediately and avoiding risk factors, you can greatly reduce the risk of life-threatening melanoma.
Characteristics of a melanoma
- Often arises from an existing mole that changes color, shape, size or starts to itch/bleed
- Can also appear as a new spot on the skin
- Often has an irregular shape, multiple colors and rapid growth
- Can spread to other parts of the body such as lymph nodes at a late stage
Risk factors
- Excessive exposure to UV radiation from the sun, especially at a young age
- Fair skin, freckles, red hair
- Many moles or atypical/abnormal moles
- Hereditary predisposition, such as the FAMMM syndrome
Due to its aggressive nature and the risk of metastases, early detection of melanoma is crucial for successful treatment.
That is why it is important to keep a close eye on suspicious spots on the skin and to consult a doctor immediately if any changes occur.
