Melanoma is a cancer disease predominantly found in the skin but can be found elsewhere, especially the eye. The vast majority of melanomas originate in the skin. Melanomas are the most serious of skin cancer. Similarly, earlier detection gives patients a better chance to be treated.

Epidemiologic studies from Australia suggest that exposure to ultraviolet radiation is one of the major contributors to the melanoma development. Occasional extreme sun exposure resulting in sunburn is causally related to melanoma. Those with more chronic long term exposure (outdoor workers) may develop protective mechanisms. Melanoma is most common on the back in men and on legs in women (areas of intermittent sun exposure) and is more common in indoor workers than outdoor workers (in a British study). Other factors are mutations in or total loss of tumor suppressor genes. Use of sunbeds with deeply penetrating UVA rays has been linked to the skin cancer development, including melanoma.

Possible significant factors in determining risk include:

1. The intensity sun exposure

2. Duration of sun exposure

3. The age at which sun exposure occurs

4. The degree of skin pigmentation

Exposure during childhood is a more important risk factor than exposure in adulthood. This is seen in migration studies in Australia where people tend to retain the risk profile of their country of birth if they migrate to Australia as an adult. Individuals with blistering or peeling sunburns especially in the first twenty years of life have a significantly greater risk for melanoma.

Fair and red-headed people are at greater risk for developing melanoma. A person with multiple atypical nevi or dysplastic nevi are at a significant risk. Persons born with giant congenital naevi are at increased risk.

A family history of melanoma greatly increases a person's risk. Certain 'melanoma families' display features of Mendelian inheritance of cancer causing genes. It is critical that individuals with family members who have been diagnosed with melanoma be checked regularly for skin cancer. Patients with a history of one melanoma are at increased risk of developing a second primary tumor.

Any mole that is irregular in color or shape should be checked by a doctor to determine if it is a malignant melanoma, the most serious and life-threatening form of skin cancer. Following a visual examination and a dermatoscopic exam (an instrument that illuminates a mole, revealing its underlying pigment and vascular network structure), the doctor may biopsy the suspicious mole. If it is malignant, the mole and an area around it need excision by a surgeon or dermatologist.

The diagnosis of melanoma requires experience, as early stages may look identical to harmless moles or not have any color at all. Where any doubt exists, the patient will be referred to a specialist dermatologist.

How to Prevent Melanoma?

1. Minimize exposure to sources of UV radiation (the sun and sunbeds).

2. Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, and broad-brimmed hats offers the best protection.

3. Use a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 or better on exposed areas.

In conclusion, prevention is better than cure. We have to try to prevent ourselves from getting melanoma cancer. Early detection is important too.