Melanoma Awareness Month

May is Melanoma Awareness Month, a time when we come together to raise awareness about the risks and prevention of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. While melanoma is often thought of as a disease that primarily affects fair-skinned individuals, it can also occur in people with skin of color. In fact, melanoma is often more dangerous in individuals with darker skin tones because it tends to be diagnosed at a later stage, making it more difficult to treat.

Melanoma is caused by the uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. These cells can grow and spread rapidly, invading nearby tissues and organs and metastasizing to other parts of the body. Risk factors for melanoma include a history of sunburns, exposure to UV radiation from indoor tanning or the sun, having many moles or abnormal moles, and having a family history of melanoma. 
 
Prevention is key when it comes to melanoma. Everyone, regardless of skin color, should practice sun safety by wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. It’s also important to avoid indoor tanning, as this can increase the risk of melanoma and other types of skin cancer. 
 
 When it comes to detecting melanoma, it’s important to be aware of any changes in the skin, such as the appearance of a new mole or a change in the size, shape, or color of an existing mole. These changes can be signs of melanoma or other types of skin cancer and should be evaluated by a dermatologist. 
 
Unfortunately, the diagnosis of melanoma in people with skin color is often delayed, due in part to the misconception that individuals with darker skin tones are not at risk for skin cancer. This can lead to a more advanced stage of the disease and a poorer prognosis. To address this issue, it’s important for people with skin of color to be vigilant about protecting their skin from the sun and to seek medical attention if they notice any changes in their skin.

In conclusion, Melanoma Awareness Month serves as a reminder that melanoma is a serious disease that can affect anyone, regardless of their skin color. By practicing sun safety and being aware of changes in the skin, we can all take steps to reduce our risk of melanoma and other types of skin cancer.