Understanding Melanoma and Protecting Your Skin Health with Support from Your GP
What Melanoma Means for Your Health
You develop melanoma when abnormal pigment-producing cells in your skin grow in an uncontrolled way. Although melanoma occurs less often than many other skin cancers, it carries a higher risk if it goes unnoticed or untreated. Early detection matters because melanoma responds best to treatment when found at an early stage, and this greatly improves long-term outcomes.
Why Melanoma Deserves Serious Attention
Melanoma can spread to other parts of the body if it is not treated promptly. Even though it represents a small percentage of all skin cancers, it accounts for most skin cancer-related deaths worldwide. Understanding your risk, watching your skin carefully, and seeking timely care support safer outcomes and protect your long-term health.
Risk Factors That Increase Your Chance of Melanoma
Melanoma risk rises with high lifetime exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or tanning beds. Fair skin, light eyes, blond or red hair, and a history of severe sunburns increase risk as well. You may also face higher risk if melanoma runs in your family or if you have numerous or unusual moles. These factors do not guarantee melanoma, but they help guide sensible prevention and monitoring.
Warning Signs You Should Not Ignore
Melanoma often starts as a changing mole or a new spot on the skin. A helpful memory tool is the ABCDE guide. Asymmetry, where one half looks different from the other. Border irregularity, where edges appear blurred or jagged. Colour variation, where multiple colours appear within the same spot. Diameter greater than about six millimetres. Evolving change in size, shape, colour, or sensation such as itching or bleeding. Any spot that worries you deserves review, even if it does not fit every letter.
How Diagnosis and Treatment Are Planned
Your GP or skin specialist examines your skin carefully and may arrange a biopsy to confirm diagnosis. If melanoma is present, treatment usually begins with removing the spot along with some surrounding tissue. More advanced melanoma may require specialist care, including immunotherapy, targeted medicines, radiation therapy, or other treatments guided by oncology teams. Early and coordinated care supports safer outcomes.
Practical Prevention That Makes a Real Difference
Daily habits matter. Using broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, wearing protective clothing, choosing shade, avoiding tanning beds, and limiting UV exposure reduce risk. Regular skin checks help you notice new or changing spots. Your GP supports you with skin examinations, education, and referral to dermatology when needed. Looking after your skin is not vanity; it is part of routine health care.
Why Speaking with Your GP Matters
You do not need to feel uncertain about a mole or skin change. Your GP helps you assess risk, review your skin safely, explain results clearly, and guide treatment when needed. If something changes on your skin or you feel unsure, book a conversation. You deserve timely care, reassurance, and protection of your long-term health.
This article supports understanding and does not replace personalised medical advice. Please speak with your GP for guidance suited to your health and circumstances.
