Ninety percent of melanomas are caused by ultraviolet radiation from the sun. That means you’re at risk if you spent excessive amounts of time in the suneven as a child. If you ever got scalding sunburns or were a fan of tanning salons, it’s important to get your skin checked out.
“Melanomas are the deadliest type of skin cancer because they have a tendency to spread to other parts of the body,” explains Dr. Anna Pavlick, an oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine.
Read More Melanoma can develop from an existing mole or it can appear as a dark or pink growth on the skin. That said, they aren’t limited to sun-exposed areas. According to Dr. Pavlick, you can also develop melanomas in places like your sinuses, rectal area, back of the eye, and other areas that aren’t exposed to the sun. Rarely, melanoma develops from an inherited syndrome called melanoma-pancreatic cancer syndromewhich also increases the risk for pancreatic cancer. Mutations in the CDKN2A gene, which helps regulate cell growth, cause this syndrome. If you have a family history of melanoma, it’s important to get screened regularly. Bottom line: The sun can be a deadly force, but there are ways to protect yourself. Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and cover up with protective clothing and a hat. If you notice any suspicious growths on your skin, see a dermatologist right away.
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