Melanoma causes, risks and prevention

When it comes to preventing and detecting melanoma skin cancer, taking extra precautions can really help. The best approach to melanoma is prevention — and the most effective treatment occurs when we find melanoma early.

At Penn Medicine, our cancer specialists have experience not only detecting and treating melanoma, but also helping prevent it. The Tara Miller Melanoma Center offers resources, such as melanoma screening services and patient education, to help you reduce your risk.

Melanoma causes

The exact causes of melanoma aren’t fully known. Research shows that cancer can develop when mutations (changes) in certain genes that control cell growth cause cells to grow out of control.

The two types of gene mutations are:

  • Acquired: Most cancer-related gene changes occur during a person’s lifetime. Some acquired mutations appear randomly, without a known cause. Others can result from specific risk factors, such as ultraviolet (UV) light.
  • Inherited: The other type of gene mutation is passed down in families. Inherited gene mutations that increase the risk of cancer are more rare than acquired mutations.

Certain factors may cause acquired mutations that increase your risk of developing cancer. Not everyone with risk factors will get melanoma, and people who don’t have any risk factors can still get melanoma.

Melanoma risk factors

The various types of melanoma have different risk factors.

How you can reduce your risks of melanoma skin cancer

Exposure to sunlight and UV light is the main risk factor for most types of skin cancer. You can reduce your UV light exposure with simple steps, such as:

  • Avoid peak sun hours: Stay out of the sun between about 10 am and 4 pm.
  • Wear sunscreen: Use sunscreen that’s at least SPF 30, water resistant and broad spectrum. Broad spectrum protects against UVA and UVB rays. Apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of skin, and reapply about every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
  • Wear protective clothing: Wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, pants and sunglasses all protect against sun exposure.
  • Don’t use indoor tanning devices: Tanning beds and sun lamps expose you to intense UV radiation.

Our services for melanoma prevention and screening

Although it’s not possible to completely prevent melanoma skin cancer, screening and prevention can reduce your risk of developing it. Our highly trained melanoma and skin cancer team are experienced in recognizing skin cancer in its earliest stages. We can spot cancer even before it begins, in precancerous skin changes.

Our services for melanoma skin cancer prevention and screening include:

  • Personalized melanoma screening: We discuss possible risk factors, such as a family history of melanoma. You receive a personalized screening plan to help reduce your risks. Our cancer genetic counselors step in if you need testing for genetic factors related to melanoma.
  • Complete skin exam: Annual mole checks look for any abnormal moles or skin changes.
  • Whole-body photography: Photos help us monitor changes in mole patterns over time. Our medical photographer brings skill and sensitivity to photographing your skin.
  • Patient education: We can show you how to do a skin self-exam, which we recommend once a month. Your care team answers questions and provides advice to reduce your risks of developing melanoma skin cancer.
  • Genetic testing: Our genetic counselors have specialized expertise working with families who may have an increased risk for certain cancers, including melanoma. We provide genetic counseling and testing to assess family risk in our Translational Medicine and Human Genetics Program.
  • Local community events: Our team offers free, annual skin cancer screening and an annual melanoma conference for anyone who wants to attend. Our specialists speak at support groups for people with higher melanoma risk, such as organ transplant recipients.
National Cancer Institute Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center badge on top of shot of hospital

Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute

Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.

Schedule an appointment

We can help you schedule an appointment or you can search our directory of specialists.