For Healthcare Professionals
Patient undergoing a skin check exam

Melanoma

Melanoma: Separating Myths from Facts

Melanoma is a serious form of cancer yet many myths persist around what it is, where it is, and who is at risk

Every year as warmer weather approaches, doctors share advice and reminders around the importance of sun healthy behaviors, with emphasis on sunscreen usage. Sunscreen is a vital tool in the prevention of melanoma and other skin cancers. However, with so much medical information now available online, and through social media influencers, it can be confusing to determine what is based in fact, and what is more of a myth. When it comes to melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, it is important to have accurate information about who is at risk and what can be done to remain cancer free. Here we explore 5 common myths related to melanoma. 

Myth #1: Only people with light skin can get melanoma.
Fact: Melanoma can affect anyone, regardless of skin tone.

While it is true that people with certain traits -- fair skin, light hair, and blue eyes – may have a higher risk for melanoma, the disease does not discriminate. In fact, anyone, of any race and/or ethnicity, can develop this form of skin cancer. While rates of melanoma are lower in individuals with darker skin, there is still a risk. And unfortunately, when individuals with darker skin are diagnosed with melanoma, it is often at a later stage because of the common belief that having dark skin is protective against skin cancer. Everyone should pay attention to growths and moles that newly appear, change quickly, or grow over time.

Myth #2: Melanoma only happens in skin exposed to the sun.  
Fact: Melanoma can develop anywhere on the body.

It is true that UV radiation from the sun is a significant risk factor for melanoma, but cancerous growths can appear on virtually any part of the body (even the eyes). It is helpful to have a loved one check for moles on hard to see places like the shoulder blades or backs of the legs, but it is also important to look in places that are rarely exposed to sunlight. Think the bottom of the feet, in-between toes, under nails, and the scalp. This is why during skin checks dermatologists are interested in seeing every area of the body (and should ask you to take your socks off!).

Myth #3: Tanning beds are not as dangerous as a sunburn.
Fact: Tanning bed usage is associated with a higher risk of developing melanoma.

In 2009, the World Health Organization classified ultraviolet radiation–emitting tanning devices as Class I carcinogens. This decision was based on factual evidence linking indoor tanning to an increased risk of skin cancer. Despite the passing of legislation that is meant to restrict use by young people and provide education around the risks, tanning beds are still marketed for ‘health benefits’ such as helping with seasonal depression or vitamin deficiencies. However, even what seems like limited usage can elevate the risk of melanoma.

Myth #4: A mole that has always been present is low risk for melanoma regardless of appearance.
Fact: Any changes in moles or new skin growths warrant a check-up by a doctor. 

It is impossible for someone to recall the detail of every mole on their body. This is why the “ABCDE” rule can be helpful to use at home. Moles that meet any of the below should be looked at by a physician:

A: Asymmetry, when two sides of a mole don’t seem to match each other. 
B: Border: Moles with an irregular or poorly defined edge should be checked. Think of “coloring outside the lines” when looking at the border of a mole.
C: Color: Moles that seem to have a variety of colors (brown, black, tan, red) instead of one solid color may be higher risk.
D: Diameter: A mole that is or becomes larger than the size of a pencil top eraser should be evaluated. 
E: Evolving: Any mole that just “looks different” over time should be monitored. Some doctors now encourage using cell phone cameras to document moles to more easily identify changes over time.

Myth #5: Sunscreen is only needed on hot, bright days.
Fact: Sunscreen should be used every day when skin is exposed to outdoor elements.

UV rays can penetrate clouds and cause skin damage, even on darker days. Dermatologists recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, applying it generously. When swimming or sweating, sunscreen should be re-applied. An additional benefit of regular sunscreen usage is that is also helps prevent skin damage that is associated with wrinkles and age spots.

Individuals of all skin types – but especially those with a blood-relative that has had melanoma – should practice sun safety, schedule annual skin checks, and talk to a healthcare provider about any skin changes that are concerning. With melanoma and other forms of skin cancer, the best defense is a good offense.

 

Published Date April 28, 2025

Latest News

Patient undergoing a skin check exam

Melanoma

Melanoma: Separating Myths from Facts

Melanoma is a serious form of cancer yet many myths persist around what it is, where it is, and who is at risk

2025-04-28T21:05:00Z

Researchers in the lab

Melanoma

Advances in Melanoma Treatment

Clinical research is helping bring new, and much-needed, treatments to market

2025-04-15T21:17:00Z

Child with Asthma sitting with dad

Asthma

New thinking in childhood asthma diagnosis approach

New studies show that over-calculating race risk in asthma diagnostic tools may actually delay diagnosis

2025-03-21T13:51:00Z

ALZ_increase article

Alzheimer's Disease

As America ages, dementia diagnoses poised to double

With humans living longer due to medical breakthroughs, the chance of developing dementia has greatly increased

2025-02-19T13:56:00Z

Woman sitting down looking very tired

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Is lassitude affecting your attitude?

The extreme fatigue of MS is so unrelenting that it has its own name: lassitude. What can you do to try and improve this feeling?

2025-01-24T18:58:00Z

Couple running with wife using asthma inhaler

Asthma

Breathing easy: the work of an asthma inhaler

Inhalers are lifechanging for people living with asthma and other breathing difficulties

2025-01-07T17:33:00Z

Older woman in clinic getting chemotherapy

Leukemia (AML)

A simple guide to understanding chemo

Chemo is an effective cancer treatment - but what is it exactly and why does it work?

2024-12-09T14:25:00Z

Young woman on walk in the park

Eczema

Self-care tips during eczema flare-ups

Eczema can be emotionally draining and physically uncomfortable - learn how self-care can change your outlook

2024-11-26T18:46:00Z

Phase 1 trial researcher

Healthy Volunteers

What is a Phase 1 trial?

Phase 1 trials are necessary first steps on the road to clinical breakthroughs and healthy volunteers can help make these a reality.

2024-11-11T15:35:00Z

Biomarker illustration

Colorectal Cancer

The role of biomarker testing in cancer

Biomarkers can play important roles in cancer treatment, but what are they and what can they tell doctors?

2024-10-16T18:18:00Z

Woman exercising on couch

Hypertension

Home-based exercise tips for blood pressure control

Getting heart-healthy physical activity doesn't have to mean running a marathon or joining an expensive gym.

2024-09-08T18:30:00Z

Woman outside meditating

Leukemia (AML)

What helps with nausea besides medicine?

Nausea is an unfortunate aspect of cancer treatment - what may help reduce this side effect?

2024-08-31T18:30:00Z

Myths vs facts

Healthy Volunteers

Common misconceptions about clinical research

Many people have never participated in a clinical trial so it can be hard to separate fact from myth - here are some of the most common myths debunked.

2024-08-28T21:23:00Z

Image of BMI calculation

Obesity

The basics of BMI

BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a standard way to assess weight status - learn why and where it came from

2024-08-22T13:50:00Z

Adult male in hospital bed with doctor

Colorectal Cancer

Why is Colorectal Cancer striking at younger ages?

The number of people being diagnosed with colorectal cancer under the age of 50 has greatly increased - what might be the cause of this troubling trend?

2024-08-14T16:12:00Z

Blueberries with plain yogurt

Hypertension

Four foods linked with lower blood pressure

While the foods you eat can raise the risk of developing hypertension, there are also options that can help lower blood pressure.

2024-08-01T18:30:00Z

Man talking with a pharmacist

Obesity

A primer on GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight loss

An overview on select GLP-1 receptor agonist treatments that help promote blood sugar management and weight loss

2024-07-31T18:30:00Z

Person on hill alone at sunset

Multiple Myeloma

Life with a rare disease

Experiencing serious health challenges is difficult enough - having a relatively unknown condition adds additional complexity

2024-07-08T22:02:00Z

Female clinician checking patient's skin

Eczema

Atopic Dermatitis: signs and stages

Understanding how atopic dermatitis looks, feels and changes during a flare-up is helpful to patients seeking greater control of their condition

2024-07-01T16:12:00Z

Doctor examining female patient

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)

Speaking with your PCP about MASH

Engaging your primary doctor in a conversation about risk for MASH liver disease doesn't have to be scary

2024-06-25T12:15:00Z

Alz Article

Alzheimer's Disease

New Alzheimer’s Disease research breakthroughs

The 2020s have been the most impactful decade so far for the debilitating form of dementia

2024-05-02T18:30:00Z

Two women talking over coffee

Breast Cancer

Talking to family about cancer genes

Though this conversation may be difficult, it might be vitally important for your loved ones

2024-02-05T18:30:00Z

Woman in the kitchen cooking pasta

Lupus

Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) and Diet

Can what you eat make a difference?

2024-04-15T18:30:00Z

Man looking at himself in mirror

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)

Learning you need a liver biopsy: staying calm

Approaches to stay in control before, during and after a biopsy

2023-12-27T18:30:00Z

Group of people walking on a path

Diabetes

The recent rise of walking as exercise

Grab your sneakers, grab a friend, or grab your dog and get moving!

2023-12-05T18:30:00Z

Troubled woman looking at phone at Christmas

Renal Cell Carcinoma

Coping with the holidays during cancer treatment

Getting ready to face a new year while facing cancer is no easy task

2023-11-23T18:30:00Z

Female researcher in clinical lab

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Possible link between multiple sclerosis and viral infection?

Researchers are looking to learn more about if and how a virus can trigger multiple sclerosis

2023-10-25T18:30:00Z

Man in park getting exercise

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)

Making lifestyle changes: ten ideas to get started

Losing excess weight together with an active lifestyle helps with the management of MASH, but where to begin?

2023-09-05T18:30:00Z

Man talking to adult son over coffee

Lung Cancer

Talking to loved ones about your clinical trial

How to talk to family and friends when you are thinking of changing cancer treatment plans for a research option

2023-08-14T18:30:00Z

Female doctor sharing paperwork with patient

Lung Cancer

Learning you have lung cancer as a non-smoker

Lung cancer can be a shocking diagnosis when you've never smoked - how can it be?

2023-08-15T18:30:00Z

Older man talking with primary care doctor

Prostate Cancer

Does a high PSA score always mean cancer?

Learn more about this common test for older men and how it relates to cancer risk

2023-07-10T18:30:00Z

Woman sitting alone in deep thought

Breast Cancer

Understanding the differences between mastectomy and lumpectomy

Two different surgical options both seeking the same outcome

2023-07-07T18:30:00Z

Researcher in medical lab

Lupus

New treatments are on the horizon for lupus patients

From biologics to CAR-T, developments in clinical research for SLE have opened new treatment doors for patients.

2023-05-22T16:15:00Z

Man doing online research

Multiple Myeloma

Understanding eligibility criteria for clinical research studies

Clinical trials utilize sets of criteria to determine if a person is a good fit - but what are these and what do they mean?

2023-04-05T18:30:00Z

Man sitting alone looking anxious

Renal Cell Carcinoma

Learning you need a biopsy: staying calm

Approaches to stay in control before, during and after a diagnostic biopsy

2023-03-14T18:30:00Z

NashArticle

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)

Making lifestyle changes: ten ideas to get started

Pharmaceutical companies are rushing to fill the NASH treatment gap

2023-03-14T18:30:00Z

Vector

Interested?

Sign up to create a personal profile and 
receive news, resources, and alerts 
about clinical trials related to your conditions of interest.