By Katelyn Kruger, PA-C, Derm CAQ, Dermatology

As a certified dermatology PA, one of the most important conversations I have with patients is about melanoma, which can be one of the most fatal forms of skin cancer. So, this Melanoma Monday—the first Monday in May, which kicks off Skin Cancer Awareness Month—it’s the perfect time to talk to all of you about early detection, prevention, and what to look out for.

What is melanoma?

Melanoma begins in melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment in your skin, and is commonly caused by UV radiation (sun exposure). It can develop on normal skin or within previously existing moles. While it is less common than other skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma is far more aggressive and can spread quickly if not caught early.

Warning Signs of Skin Cancer: ABCDE Rules

This is one of the best patient screening tools that I recommend to patients for self-monitoring. If you notice any of these, I encourage you to book a skin exam.

• Asymmetry: one half of the mole does not match the other
• Border: irregular edges, ragged, or blurred
• Color: various shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue, although amelanotic melanomas may be flesh colored
• Diameter: larger than 6 mm (size of a pencil eraser), although melanomas can also be very small
• Evolving: any change in size, shape, color, or new symptom like tenderness, itching, or bleeding

Prevention is Key

Melanoma risk can be significantly reduced with smart sun habits:

• Use broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) daily, even on cloudy days. Remember to reapply every 2 hours when outdoors.
• Wear protective hats (wide-brimmed), UPF-rated clothing, and sunglasses.
• Seek shade during the hours of 10 am to 4 pm.
• Avoid tanning beds at all costs! Tanning bed use prior to the age of 35 increases your melanoma risk by 75%.
• There is no such thing as a safe tan, but focusing on preventing burns and excessive sun exposure will significantly reduce your overall risk.

Who should have skin checks?

Anyone with skin, moles, and sun exposure is a candidate for baseline skin cancer screening. Those with fair skin, red or light hair, and blue eyes are at higher risk of developing skin cancers and should be screened more regularly. If you have a family history of melanoma in a first-degree relative, you should be seen yearly. If you are noticing any changes according to the ABCDE rules, you should have your skin checked.

Dermatology PAs are trained to recognize suspicious lesions, perform full skin exams, biopsies, educate, and guide treatment if melanoma is diagnosed. Catching it early can make all the difference—when treated at an early stage, melanoma has a very high survival rate.

Let Skin Cancer Awareness Month be your reminder to schedule a skin exam, check your moles, and commit to sun safety. Your skin is your largest organ—protect it, check it, and never ignore changes.