Tips for Prevention

• Generously apply sunscreen that protects you from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. If you prefer natural sunscreens, look for those with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the natural ingredients.
• Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going outdoors.
• Check the expiration date on your sunscreen. If it is expired, the ingredients will not protect your skin.
• Use a sunscreen with a sun protective factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.
• Wear protective clothing such as wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves.
• Seek clothing with a built-in sun protective factor.
• Seek shade between the hours of 10:00 am and 2:00 pm when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
• Be extra careful near water, sand, or snow as they reflect the sun’s rays.
• Get vitamin D safely through diet and vitamin supplements, not through sun exposure.
• Avoid tanning beds and their harmful ultraviolet rays.
• Wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays to protect yourself from ocular melanoma.
• Perform self-skin exams regularly and take note of any changes in existing moles, new moles, changes in birthmarks or other differences in your skin.
• Visit a trained dermatologist annually for a complete, head-to-toe, skin exam.

Please keep in mind that the ABCDE rule is only a guideline. Melanoma also may appear as a nodule under the skin. Take note of any new marks or moles on the skin and any changes in existing marks or moles. 

MORE ABOUT MELANOMA
CLINICAL TRIALS FOR MELANOMA
OTHER SKIN CANCERS
WHAT'S YOUR RISK FOR MELANOMA?
YOUR GUIDE TO EARLY DETECTION
SKIN CANCER IN PEOPLE OF COLOR