The first Monday of May is Melanoma Monday, a day dedicated to raising awareness of the deadliest form of skin cancer. It also marks the unofficial start of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a time to focus on prevention, early detection, and skin cancer treatment.*
Following the launch of Melanoma Monday by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) in 1995, this day has served as a key reminder to check your skin and schedule an annual skin exam. Early detection can truly save lives.
Know the ABCDEs of Melanoma
One of the most effective ways to spot melanoma early is by understanding the ABCDEs of moles:
- A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other
- B – Border: Edges are irregular, jagged, or blurred
- C – Color: Uneven color, including shades of black, brown, tan, red, blue, or white
- D – Diameter: Larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser)
- E – Evolving: Changes in size, shape, color, or symptoms like itching or bleeding
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to have your skin checked by a professional.
To catch changes early, perform a monthly skin self-exam. Use a full-length mirror in a well-lit room to check your entire body: face, neck, scalp, ears, hands, arms, torso, legs, and even the bottoms of your feet and between your toes. Use a hand mirror for areas like your back and the backs of your legs. Look for any new or changing moles, or spots that itch, bleed, or do not heal. Regular exams help you recognize what is normal and notice changes needing professional evaluation.
Melanoma by the Numbers
According to the AAD, an estimated 234,680 new melanoma cases will be diagnosed in 2026. Nearly half of these will be invasive. Sadly, about 8,510 people are expected to die from melanoma this year.
While melanoma has traditionally been more common in adults over 50, it is increasingly being diagnosed in younger individuals.
Who Is at Risk?
You may have a higher risk of developing melanoma if you:
- Have a personal or family history of melanoma or other skin cancers
- Have had significant sun exposure over your lifetime
- Use or have used tanning beds
- Have fair or sun-sensitive skin that burns easily
Certain behaviors can further increase your risk. For example, having five or more blistering sunburns between the ages of 15 and 20 can increase your risk of melanoma by 80%. Using tanning beds before age 20 raises your risk by 47%, and each use adds to that risk. Women under 30 who tan indoors are six times more likely to develop melanoma.
To lower your risk, protect your skin daily. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30+ to all exposed skin, even on cloudy days. Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses outdoors. Seek shade during peak sun hours, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Avoid tanning beds. Making these habits part of your routine can help reduce your risk of melanoma.
The Importance of Early Detection
Early detection is critical for melanoma treatment. When caught early, the five-year survival rate is about 99%. As melanoma spreads, that rate drops significantly.
Advanced Skin Cancer Treatment Options
At Dermatology Partners, we offer advanced skin cancer treatment, including Mohs surgery. This highly effective procedure removes cancer layer by layer while preserving as much healthy skin as possible.
Mohs surgery has an impressive cure rate of up to 99% for many types of skin cancer, making it one of the most trusted treatment options available.
Take the Next Step
This Melanoma Monday, take charge of your skin health—start your self-checks, review your ABCDEs, and schedule your annual skin exam now.
Early action matters. If you have concerns or notice changes in your skin, seek expert care. If you’re diagnosed, your care team will discuss your options and guide your recovery. Most people have follow-up visits to monitor healing, and your provider will advise on post-treatment care so you can move forward with confidence.
Don’t wait—schedule your appointment with Dermatology Partners today and make the first definitive step toward healthy, cancer-free skin.
*Medical Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Dermatology Partners is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from reliance on this information.
Source
American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). Skin cancer awareness month.
https://www.aad.org/public/public-health/awareness-campaigns/skin-cancer-awareness-month
American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). Melanoma: Stats and facts.
https://www.aad.org/media/stats-melanoma
