How To Avoid Melanoma
Avoiding melanoma—one of the most serious types of skin cancer—mainly involves protecting your skin from harmful UV radiation and monitoring skin changes regularly.
How to Avoid Melanoma
1. Limit UV Exposure
- Avoid excessive sun exposure, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest.
- Seek shade whenever possible.
2. Use Sunscreen Properly
- Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
- Reapply every 2 hours, or after swimming or sweating.
- Don’t forget ears, neck, hands, and feet.
3. Wear Protective Clothing
- Wear long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
- Choose tightly woven fabrics.
4. Avoid Tanning Beds
- Tanning beds emit UV radiation that increases melanoma risk.
5. Perform Regular Skin Self-Exams
- Check your skin monthly for new or changing moles, spots, or lesions.
- Use the ABCDE rule to spot suspicious moles:
- Asymmetry
- Border irregularity
- Color variation
- Diameter larger than 6mm
- Evolving size, shape, or color
6. See a Dermatologist Regularly
- Especially if you have many moles, fair skin, or a family history of skin cancer.
- Professional skin checks can catch melanoma early.