Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Know the Signs, Protect Your Skin

by | May 16, 2025 | Premier Surgical Cleveland, Skin Cancer

May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and at Premier Surgical Cleveland, we’re taking this opportunity to remind our community of something simple but powerful: early detection saves lives.

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Although it accounts for a smaller percentage of skin cancer cases overall, it leads to the majority of skin cancer-related deaths. That’s why understanding the risks, knowing the signs, and taking steps to prevent melanoma are critical to protecting your health.

Melanoma & Skin Cancer Surgeons

What Is Melanoma?

Melanoma develops in the skin’s pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. These cells give our skin its color, but when they begin to grow uncontrollably — often triggered by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sun exposure or tanning beds — melanoma can form.

Unlike other, more common skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma has a greater chance of spreading to other parts of the body if not caught early. This aggressive nature is what makes awareness and routine skin checks so important.

Know Your Risk

Anyone can develop melanoma, but certain risk factors can increase your chances, including:

  • Excessive sun exposure, especially with a history of sunburns
  • Use of tanning beds
  • Fair skin, light hair, and light-colored eyes
  • A family or personal history of melanoma
  • Having many moles or atypical (unusual) moles

If any of these sound familiar, talk with your healthcare provider about your risk and whether you should schedule regular skin checks.

Recognizing the Warning Signs

The key to early detection is knowing what to look for. The “ABCDE” method is an easy way to evaluate moles or skin changes:

  • A – Asymmetry: One side doesn’t match the other
  • B – Border: Edges are irregular or blurred
  • C – Color: Multiple colors or uneven tones
  • D – Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)
  • E – Evolving: Any change in size, shape, or color over time

If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait — schedule an evaluation.

Protect What Matters

The good news is that melanoma is often preventable. Taking simple steps can reduce your risk:

  • Wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day
  • Avoid tanning beds
  • Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
  • Wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat
  • Perform monthly skin self-checks

We’re Here to Help

At Premier Surgical Cleveland, our physicians, Dr. Eston Wenger, Dr. Jason Dunn, Dr. Joshua Worthington, and Dr. John Boxberger, are committed to helping patients detect and treat skin cancer early. Our physicians provide surgical removal of skin cancers with precision and care.

This May, take a moment to check in on your skin — and encourage your loved ones to do the same. If you have concerns about a suspicious mole or skin change, don’t ignore it. Call Premier Surgical Cleveland today or schedule a consultation online and take an important step toward protecting your health.