Think melanoma is just another skin problem? It’s actually the most dangerous form of skin cancer and can become deadly fast if you ignore it. Melanoma doesn’t discriminate—it can hit anyone, young or old, pale or dark-skinned, sun lover or not. The scary part? It can show up where the sun never shines, like the bottom of your foot or under your nails.
So what are you really looking for? A new dark spot or an old mole that’s grown, changed color, gotten rough or started bleeding. Most people don’t realize the ABCDE rule saves lives—A for Asymmetry, B for Border that’s odd or jagged, C for Color that isn’t even, D for Diameter bigger than a pencil eraser, and E for Evolution, meaning any change. Got any of those? Don’t wait. Get it checked out.
Now, why do people get melanoma? Too much UV exposure tops the list. That means tanning beds, sunburns (especially as a kid), or just plain not wearing sunscreen. Family history cranks up your risk, too. People with many moles or fair skin are more likely to get hit, but anyone can get melanoma. Don’t buy into myths like “dark skin means you’re safe”—melanoma just hides better, and it might get caught later when it’s harder to treat.
Here’s what nobody usually tells you: if caught early, melanoma is almost always curable. Waiting just a few months can turn treatment from simple surgery to a whole lot more. That’s why dermatologists keep nagging you to check your skin once a month and get a yearly skin check, especially if you’re over 40 or have a family history. Take clear photos of any weird spots so you can honestly say if they’re changing next month.
Don’t underestimate prevention. Sunscreen every day—yes, even when it’s cloudy. A wide-brim hat and clothes with UPF protection don’t just look cool, they keep you safe. Ditch the tanning beds. If you want a glow, grab a bottle of sunless tanner instead. And parents—kids’ skin burns easier, so make sure they’re slathered in SPF before they head outside.
Treatment’s come a long way. Surgery is quick for small melanomas. If it’s spread, there’s immunotherapy and targeted pills that can work wonders compared to older chemo. But every expert will tell you: catching it early beats any treatment out there.
Have a family member with melanoma? You now have another reason to pay extra attention. Share photos of moles with your doctor—don’t be shy. If finances are tight, there are community skin cancer screening events in most cities and lots of online resources to guide you.
The bottom line: take your skin seriously, be your own detective, and don’t wait months hoping a strange spot will "go away." You’ve got everything to gain by acting fast—and a lot to lose if you don’t.
Age spots, or solar lentigines, are dark, flat spots on the skin that can occur in people of all ages. But could they turn into cancer? While age spots are usually harmless, there is a risk that they could become skin cancer. Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, has been linked to age spots in some cases. If an age spot changes shape, size, or color, this could be a sign that it has become cancerous. It is important to monitor age spots for any changes and to visit a doctor if any suspicious symptoms arise. Ultimately, age spots are usually harmless, but it is important to be aware of the potential risk of skin cancer.