May is Melanoma Awareness Month, which is a good reminder that our skin deserves more attention than we usually give it.
Most people notice their skin when something bothers them. A rash. A pimple. A dry patch that refuses to behave. A new wrinkle that seems to have arrived with luggage. But when it comes to skin cancer, especially melanoma, the most important changes can be quiet. A mole that looks a little different. A spot that is new. A mark that seems to be changing shape, colour, or size.
That is why this month matters.
Melanoma is not the most common skin cancer, but it is one of the most serious. The good news is that when it is found early, it is often very treatable. The less good news is that people often wait too long because they assume a spot is “nothing.”
Sometimes it is nothing. Sometimes it is not. A dermatologist can help tell the difference.
What Is Melanoma?
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that begins in melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment in the skin. It can appear in an existing mole, but it can also show up as a new spot on skin that previously looked completely normal.
It can occur anywhere on the body, including areas that do not get much sun. That is one reason full skin exams matter. We are not just checking the obvious places, like the face, shoulders, and arms. We also look at the back, scalp, feet, nails, and other easy-to-miss areas.
Sun exposure and indoor tanning are major risk factors for melanoma. Other risks include having many moles, atypical moles, fair skin, a history of sunburns, or a family history of melanoma. But melanoma can happen to anyone, which is why awareness is so important. The Canadian Cancer Society lists sun exposure and indoor tanning among the main risks for melanoma.
The ABCDE Rule
One of the easiest ways to remember what to watch for is the ABCDE rule.
A is for asymmetry. One half of the mole does not match the other.
B is for border. The edges are uneven, blurred, notched, or irregular.
C is for colour. The spot has more than one colour, or colours that look unusual.
D is for diameter. A mole larger than about 6 mm should be checked, although melanomas can be smaller.
E is for evolving. This is the big one. Any spot that is changing, growing, itching, bleeding, crusting, or simply looks different deserves attention.
Dermatologists also talk about the “ugly duckling” sign. That means a mole or spot that does not look like the others on your body. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends watching for anything new, changing, or unusual, including on areas that are not regularly exposed to the sun.
Sunscreen Is Not Just for the Beach
A lot of people still think sunscreen is something you use on vacation, at the pool, or when you are planning to “sit in the sun.”
That is like saying you only need a seatbelt on the highway.
UV rays are present even on cloudy days. They can reach your skin during walks, errands, driving, gardening, sports, and all the ordinary parts of life that do not feel like “sun exposure.”
For daily use, choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Broad-spectrum means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply it generously and reapply when needed, especially if you are sweating or swimming. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher before going outdoors.
And sunscreen is only one part of protection. Shade, hats, sunglasses, and sun-protective clothing matter too. The best sun protection is not dramatic. It is consistent.
Skin Checks Save Time, Worry, and Sometimes Lives
A professional skin check is simple. It is not painful. It is not complicated. And for many patients, it gives peace of mind.
During a skin exam, we look carefully at moles, freckles, spots, and lesions. If something looks suspicious, we may recommend monitoring it, photographing it, or performing a biopsy. A biopsy does not mean cancer. It means we want a clearer answer.
Patients often ask how often they should have a skin check. The answer depends on their risk factors. Someone with a history of melanoma, many atypical moles, or strong family history may need more frequent monitoring. Others may need an annual exam or an exam when something changes.
The Canadian Dermatology Association encourages people to check their skin regularly and see a certified dermatologist if they notice anything unusual.
What You Can Do This May
This month, do three simple things.
First, look at your skin. Not casually, but properly. Use a mirror. Check your back, scalp, feet, between your toes, and under your nails.
Second, protect your skin every day. Sunscreen, shade, hats, and common sense are not glamorous, but neither is sun damage.
Third, book a skin exam if something has changed or if you have not been checked in a long time.
Melanoma Awareness Month is not about fear. It is about paying attention. Your skin is visible, but it is also easy to ignore. A small change can be important. A quick appointment can answer a question that has been sitting in the back of your mind for months.
If a mole or spot looks new, different, or strange, have it checked.
