World Melanoma Day
Imagine this: it is a bright, sunny day. You grab your towel, some snacks, maybe a good book, and head to the beach. You are ready to soak up the sun. Sounds perfect, right? But have you ever stopped to think about what that sun exposure is really doing to your skin?
Let’s talk about something serious: melanoma. May 23rd is the World Melanoma Day, a key date to raise awareness about the most aggressive form of skin cancer and to promote its prevention and early detection. It starts in the pigment-producing cells of the skin—melanocytes—and it often begins with a mole that changes in appearance. It can show up anywhere on your body, but it is most common in areas that get a lot of sun: your back, legs, arms, or face. If melanoma is not caught early, it can spread to other parts of the body—and fast. It is responsible for nearly 75% of skin cancer-related deaths due to its high potential to spread if not caught early.
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun (or tanning beds) is the biggest risk factor for developing melanoma. Every time you lie out without sunscreen or get a sunburn, you’re increasing that risk.
Think about it: how many times have you come home a little pink from the beach and just shrugged it off? Did you know that even one blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence can double your chances of developing melanoma later in life? According to epidemiological research, an increased number of sunburns during any life period —including childhood, adolescence, and adulthood—correlates with a heightened risk of melanoma. Notably, the risk associated with sunburns was significant across all age groups, underscoring the importance of sun protection throughout life
The good news? You can help prevent it. Melanoma is one of the most preventable cancers and small changes make a big difference. According to research, the most effective method of protection against the development of melanoma is minimization of ultraviolet exposure from sunlight.
Editor of Daily 27.
Predoctoral researcher at the Department of Sociology in University of Barcelona.