The Sun is Not Your Friend: Most Melanomas are Cau...
Melanoma
The Sun is Not Your Friend: Most Melanomas are Caused by Sun Exposure
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 sun–even 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 NYU Langone Health.
Melanoma can develop from an existing mole or it can appear as a dark or pink growth on the skin–and it can appear in places that were never exposed to the sun.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
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 sun–even 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 NYU Langone Health.
Melanoma can develop from an existing mole or it can appear as a dark or pink growth on the skin–and it can appear in places that were never exposed to the sun.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
Prevention & Screening: Reduce Your Risk
Prevention & Screening: Explaining Melanoma
If you are at risk for melanoma, it’s important to keep an eye on your skin. Not all moles are cancerous, but you should know which ones could be.
Prevention & Screening: Get Checked Out
If you are at risk for melanoma, it’s important to keep an eye on your skin. Not all moles are cancerous, but you should know which ones could be.