Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that affects the melanin forming cells in the skin. This type of skin cancer can be prevented. But, there are risk factors that include genetic factors like family history, race, age, among others. However, there are things you could do to lower your risk of getting melanoma. But before that, one needs to know how to be able to identify and treat melanoma, in case such a travesty occurs, and signs to watch out for. They are listed below:

Symptoms of Melanoma

• The most important sign of melanoma is an already existing spot on the skin changing color, shape, or size, or a new spot arising on the skin.
• Another important symptom is a spot that looks different from all other spots on the skin.

Treatment options for melanoma
Treatments for melanoma depend on the stage and size of the cancer and the overall health of the patient. That being said, the following treatments are usually followed for melanoma:

• Treatment for early-stage melanomas usually includes surgery to remove the affected place.
• Treatment for melanomas which have spread beyond the surface of the skin include surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, biological therapy, and radiation therapy.

Prevention of melanoma
All being said, melanoma can definitely be prevented. Here are some of the most effective ways in which one can prevent melanoma from occurring to them:

• Limiting exposure to ultraviolet (UV) ray s
  The most important way to lower the risk of melanoma is by protecting oneself from exposure to the UV rays. Also, one should practice sun safety when one is outdoors.

• Stay in the shade
  One of the best ways to limit oneself to UV exposure is by simply staying in the shade always.

• Applying and reapplying sunscreen always
  If staying in the shade always is not possible, then one needs to apply sunscreen, especially if one is going to be out in the sun.

• Using accessories
  Wearing full-sleeved clothes such as a shirt or t-shirt with long sleeves is a great way to stop UV rays from hitting the skin.
  Wearing a hat and wrapping around sunglasses is a great way to protect the face, eyes, and mouth. from UV radiation.

• Avoid using tanning beds and sunlamps
  There are still many people who say that the UV rays from sunlamps and tanning beds are harmless. However, these devices give off UV rays causing long-term damage to the skin and could even result in skin cancer. In fact, the use of tanning beds has been linked to heightened risks of melanoma, especially if a person has begun using them before they even hit the age of 30 years.

• Keep an eye out for abnormal moles
  Checking the skin regularly for abnormalities could go a long way in helping one spot any abnormal or new growths or moles. There’s a chance one could catch it even before it turns into skin cancer, avoiding a lot of heartaches.

• Keep a check on your health
  Also, one needs to avoid weakening one’s immune system, as it leads to an increased risk of contracting melanoma.