Melanoma is a type of cancer that develops in the melanocytes, the cells that control skin color. The abnormal and exponential growth of cancerous cells in the melanocytes gives rise to melanoma. The main cause of this cancer is long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from either sunlight or tanning beds and lamps. It is the most serious type of skin cancer, and melanoma can spread rapidly, affecting the neighboring cells in the body.

1. Causes
Like any other form of cancer, doctors are still studying the cause of melanoma. Skin cancer and melanoma aren’t an exception. However, doctors suspect a few causes of the condition and have formulated a way to prevent it. Some causes are:

• The presence of many moles
• Increased tendency of getting freckles after sun exposure
• Presence of actinic lentigines, small gray-brown spots, also known as sunspots, liver spots, or age spots
• Giant congenital melanocytic nevus called birthmarks
• Pale skin that fails to tan easily and light-colored eyes
• Blistering sunburn and over-exposure to sunlight
• Age
• Family history
• Organ transplant

The World Health Organization (WHO) claims that around 60,000 people die due to over-exposure to harmful sun rays. Thus, avoiding the harsh sun can help prevent melanoma in many cases.

2. Treatments

The popular treatments for melanoma include surgery of the lesions and chemotherapy. Biological therapy is also beneficial when medications are used to boost the body’s immune system.

3. Prevention of melanoma

The UV radiation from the sun is harmful to the skin. This radiation can cause premature aging of the skin cells, which can lead to skin cancer. Different types of skin cancer have different symptoms and effects on the body. Melanoma is the most serious and dangerous type of skin cancer, as it spreads rapidly.

Doctors recommend the following tips to prevent melanoma:

• Avoiding sunburns

Overexposure to UV radiation causes skin cancer in human beings. So, professionals advise people to avoid going out when it is hot.

• Use sunscreen

Sunscreen is a gel or lotion which protects the skin from the harmful effects of the sunrays. Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of about 30 or more every 2 hours. This can save the skin from the harsh UV radiation.

• Avoid going out at noon

The sun is at its highest intensity between 11 am to 3 pm. It is better to avoid going out during these hours to avoid exposing the skin cells to the harmful sun rays.

• Lifestyle changes

One should opt for light-colored clothes and use shades to protect the eyes from harmful radiation.

• Diet

Research shows that a properly balanced diet is beneficial in preventing the development of melanoma. Increase the intake of retinol-rich foods like fish, eggs, milk, leafy vegetables, and fruits to keep the body healthy. This would also help the skin cells to stay healthy.

Apart from these, one should always go for regular checkups. Thus, incorporation of a few simple healthy changes can help in the prevention of melanoma.