Melanoma Prevention, Risk Factors, and Screening
Understanding your risk for melanoma and knowing how to catch it early is important. Many cases of melanoma can be caught early – when it is most treatable – with regular screening and sun protection.
At Columbia, we use sophisticated screening technology to help us assess your risk for melanoma and provide a more accurate diagnosis. Whether you have a family history of melanoma, multiple moles or skin lesions, or want to learn more about keeping your skin healthy, we are here to help you.
What are the risk factors for melanoma?
Melanoma develops when the DNA in pigment-producing skin cells (melanocytes) becomes damaged, often from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This can lead to cell mutations and uncontrolled growth. Not everyone exposed to UV light will get melanoma, but certain risk factors can raise your chances, such as:
- UV exposure: Prolonged time in the sun or using tanning beds, especially with a history of blistering sunburns
- Fair skin and light features: People with pale skin, red or blond hair, blue or green eyes, or freckles
- Personal history: A previous diagnosis of melanoma or other skin cancers
- Family history: Having two or more close relatives with skin cancer or melanoma
- Multiple or atypical moles: Large numbers of moles or irregular, dysplastic moles
- Age: Most common in men over 50, but also one of the most common cancers in teens and young adults
- Weakened immune system: Conditions like HIV/AIDS or use of immunosuppressive medications
- Inherited genetic mutations: Conditions such as xeroderma pigmentosum, or mutations in genes like BRAF, CDKN2A, or p53
Can you prevent melanoma?
Not all melanomas can be prevented, but you can take steps to lower your risk. Protecting your skin and avoiding indoor tanning are the most effective ways to reduce risk.
Tips to help prevent melanoma:
- Avoid direct sunlight during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
- Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily—even on cloudy days
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming or sweating
- Wear protective clothing, including hats and sunglasses with UV protection
- Never use tanning beds or sunlamps
- Do monthly skin self-checks and see a dermatologist for regular exams if you are at higher risk
How to Screen for Melanoma
Screening plays an essential role in detecting melanoma early—when it is most treatable. Since many melanomas are usually found spotted by patients, self-checks and regular dermatology visits are vital.
Who Should Be Screened?
Anyone can develop melanoma, but people at higher risk should see a dermatologist more frequently. You may benefit from more regular screenings if you:
- Have a personal or family history of melanoma
- Have many moles or atypical (dysplastic) moles
- Have fair skin or burn easily
- Use tanning beds or had frequent sunburns, especially as a child
- Have a weakened immune system
Screening Options at Columbia
Columbia’s Pigmented Lesions Clinic (PLC) is our fully dedicated hub for skin cancer surveillance and early detection. We offer several tools to support our patients, including:
Mole Mapping
Our Digital Mole Mapping technology uses high-resolution photography to capture and track moles over time. This helps us detect small changes before they become a problem. We use sophisticated software that helps us assess the lesions objectively and provides a higher accuracy of diagnosis. Patients receive their mole maps so that they can do their own monthly self-checks. Mole mapping is especially helpful for people with many, or unusual, moles.
Full-body Skin Exams
A full-body skin exam by a board-certified dermatologist is one of the most effective ways to screen for melanoma. During the visit, your doctor will look for suspicious lesions using tools like dermatoscopes and imaging software.
Self-Skin Checks
We encourage patients to perform monthly head-to-toe self-checks at home. Look for new or changing moles using the ABCDE method: Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, and Evolving.