Melanoma Awareness and Sun-Smart Living
May arrives with the familiar promise of warmer days and longer evenings. Across Europe and beyond, the season encourages outdoor strolls, weekend getaways to the coast, and the kind of relaxed afternoons best spent in the open air. Yet with this change in rhythm comes an often overlooked imperative: the protection and preservation of our skin. For May is melanoma awareness month, a timely reminder that beneath the allure of sunlight lies a threat deserving of our utmost attention.
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. Its nature is deceptive, often subtle, and far more dangerous than most realise. As the fifth most common cancer in the United States, it claims approximately 7,000 lives there annually. Worldwide, the toll reaches around 55,000 deaths each year. These figures underscore a stark truth: melanoma is a formidable adversary, especially in younger adults, with rising incidence rates observed particularly among those in their twenties and thirties. Women bear a disproportionate burden compared to men, highlighting the need for targeted education and vigilance.
The good news is that melanoma’s threat diminishes considerably with early detection. When identified before it spreads beyond the skin, the survival rate can be as high as 98 percent. Yet once melanoma advances to distant organs such as the liver or lungs, that rate plummets to around 20 or 25 percent. This is why understanding the subtle signs and committing to regular skin checks is not merely advisable, but potentially lifesaving.
Melanoma does not always reveal itself with clear or dramatic symptoms. It can hide in the most unexpected places: beneath hair on the scalp, under nails, within the eyes, between the toes, on palms and soles, inside the mouth, or even within the folds of the nose. Such concealment makes it imperative that we become educated observers of our own bodies.
There is a simple and elegant tool to help with this vigilance, one that is widely taught by dermatologists worldwide. It is known as the ABCDE of melanoma. These five letters serve as an accessible mnemonic for spotting potentially dangerous moles or lesions on the skin.
The first letter, A, stands for asymmetry. A typical benign mole tends to be symmetrical. If you were to divide it in half, each side would mirror the other. A mole that is asymmetric (one where one half does not match the other) should prompt closer scrutiny. Such irregularity can be a red flag.
Next, B represents borders. Normal moles typically feature smooth, even edges. Melanomas, however, often present with jagged, scalloped, or blurred borders. This unevenness can make the mole appear as if it is spreading beyond its original boundaries.
C refers to color. Benign moles usually possess a uniform hue, shades of light to dark brown, akin to milk or dark chocolate. A mole exhibiting multiple colors within its borders, such as patches of white, red, or even blue, may indicate deeper changes and warrants further examination.
D denotes diameter. A mole larger than approximately six millimetres, about the size of a pencil eraser, should be observed carefully. Growth beyond this size, especially rapid enlargement, is cause for concern.
Finally, E stands for evolution. The key here is change. A mole that grows, changes shape, shifts color, becomes painful, starts to bleed, or develops other symptoms over time must be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Evolution signals activity beneath the skin’s surface that should never be ignored.
An additional concept to bear in mind is the “ugly duckling” sign. For those with many moles, it is not always practical to assess each one as potentially malignant. Instead, attention should focus on any mole that appears different from the rest. Among a sea of similar spots, the odd one out may be cause for concern and should be checked promptly.
Melanoma’s chameleon-like nature can make it a challenge to detect. There are stories of lesions resembling cysts, benign lumps that turned out to be melanoma beneath the surface. Not all atypical moles are melanoma, yet the risk demands that any suspicious spot be evaluated without delay.
Should a biopsy be recommended, fear not. The procedure is straightforward and generally performed under local anaesthesia. A small sample of skin is taken for microscopic examination, a small price to pay for peace of mind and potentially life-saving intervention.
Beyond melanoma, other forms of skin cancer deserve attention. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common non-melanoma skin cancer. Though it grows slowly, it can extend beneath the skin’s surface in a manner likened to plant roots. What appears as a small pearly bump may hide deeper invasion, potentially causing significant tissue damage if left untreated. Basal cell carcinomas rarely spread to other parts of the body, yet they can result in noticeable changes to appearance.
Squamous cell carcinoma is more aggressive and capable of spreading to nearby nerves or distant sites. It commonly appears on sun-exposed areas such as the lips, nose, ears, eyelids, and scalp, especially in those with thinning hair. These lesions can resemble wart-like patches or scaly open sores. Immunosuppressed individuals are particularly vulnerable, with the lower legs often affected.
The paramount prevention strategy remains simple and timeless: wear sunscreen. It is the single most effective way to reduce the risk of sunburns and consequently skin cancers. If health alone is not enough motivation, consider vanity. Sun exposure is responsible for approximately 90 percent of visible skin ageing. Uneven skin tone, freckles, sunspots, and wrinkles all owe their existence largely to ultraviolet damage.
One compelling example is a study of identical twins where one regularly protected their skin from the sun while the other did not. Decades later, the sun-shielded twin retained a smoother, more youthful complexion while the other exhibited pronounced ageing.
For those reluctant to apply sunscreen daily, there are additional sun-smart behaviours worth adopting. Avoiding sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when ultraviolet rays are at their most intense, can significantly reduce risk. Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) clothing, made from fabrics designed to block UV rays, offers another layer of defence. Many UPF garments provide a protection level of 50, filtering out 98 percent of ultraviolet radiation. Breathable and comfortable, these garments are suitable for gardening, playing outdoors, or beach days.
Headwear deserves special mention. Baseball caps, while ubiquitous, provide inadequate protection. Wide-brimmed hats are preferable, although those made of loosely woven straw may allow sunlight to penetrate. For the most comprehensive facial and neck coverage, ultraviolet visors fashioned from sunglass-like materials shield the face and décolletage with elegance. Though somewhat unconventional in appearance, these visors have become conversation starters, sparking connections and even friendships at summer gatherings.
Professional skin checks are essential. Annual dermatological exams should be part of every health routine. For those with a family history of melanoma, yearly screenings are critical. Patients with a personal history of skin cancer are encouraged to consult with two dermatologists every six months, ensuring multiple perspectives and heightened vigilance.
During these examinations, full body checks are indispensable. Patients are advised to remove all clothing so that no area is overlooked. Many melanomas develop in places hidden from casual view: under underwear, between toes, beneath the hairline, or even in the genital region. It is wise to ask the gynaecologist or general practitioner for an assessment of moles in intimate areas as well.
A simple photograph of the entire body can serve as a baseline record. Services such as MoleSafe in New York offer comprehensive, confidential body mapping, creating a visual archive to track changes over time. This reduces the risk of human error and provides objective evidence for medical professionals. Regular visits to the hairdresser can also serve as an informal early warning system. Stylists can spot new or changing moles on the scalp that escape notice.
The ABCDE rule, combined with sun-smart habits and professional vigilance, empowers individuals to take control of their skin health. The message is clear and urgent: protect yourself for your health and your appearance, and advocate for your peace of mind. If a mole concerns you, even if your doctor is not alarmed, request a biopsy. Most dermatologists will accommodate this reasonable request.
This summer, as the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, take a moment to appreciate not only the beauty of the season but also the fragility of your skin. Early detection saves lives and sunscreen preserves youth. Together, these practices form the cornerstone of sun-smart living.
For those curious about sophisticated sun protection gear, the evolving landscape of UPF clothing offers breathable rash guards ideal for active outdoor lifestyles. Designed for comfort and practical elegance, these garments are becoming indispensable for sun-smart Europeans. Similarly, UV visors, offering full facial coverage with a touch of modern flair, are gaining traction as both functional and stylish accessories. These innovations complement classic sunscreen use and help redefine the art of skin preservation.
