Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. In 2024, it’s estimated that more than 200,340 melanomas will be diagnosed and about 8,290 people will die of melanoma.
- That’s why dermatologists encourage everyone to begin a lifelong habit of checking their skin by performing skin self-examinations. Caught early, melanoma is highly treatable.
- Melanoma can develop anywhere on the skin, including skin that’s had plenty of sun exposure and skin that’s usually protected from the sun. Melanoma can develop under or around a fingernail or toenail. People of all skin tones develop skin cancer.
- You can find melanoma early by examining your skin for the ABCDE’s of melanoma.
- When outdoors, protect your skin by seeking shade, wearing sun-protective clothing, and applying sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, water resistance, and an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Sun protection is important all year around. Re-apply sunscreen every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating. It’s a myth that higher SPF sunscreens can be applied less frequently.